The Bruins are taking a different approach this season. Unlike last year's major roster shake-up, where they moved key players like Brandon Carlo and Brad Marchand, they're now firmly in the playoff hunt with a 61% chance of securing a spot, according to MoneyPuck.
However, the Bruins aren't closing the door on potential trades, especially if it means bolstering their prospect pool. They're open to offers for Andrew Peeke, a pending unrestricted free agent, as they look to add future assets, according to Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic.
Viktor Arvidsson, another pending UFA, has been a critical piece on the second line. With 14 goals and 28 points in 45 games, his offensive contributions are vital for a team needing scoring depth. The Bruins are less inclined to trade him unless the return is substantial, as Shinzawa notes.
Peeke was acquired from the Blue Jackets at the 2023 deadline for a third-round pick and Jakub Zboril. At the time, he was under a three-year, $8.25MM contract with Columbus. Now, with no term left, the Bruins might not recoup the same value unless the market shifts in favor of sellers.
Peeke is having a standout season with the Bruins. Moving up from a third-pairing role, he's now taking on second-pairing shutdown duties alongside Hampus Lindholm. While their pairing isn't known for offensive firepower, it's effective defensively, allowing just 2.43 expected goals against per 60 minutes, ranking fourth among Boston's defensive pairs with significant ice time.
This increased responsibility has Peeke logging over 19 minutes per game, a first since the 2022-23 season. He's posted a 4-8-12 scoring line in 56 games with a -7 rating, leading the team with 101 blocks and ranking seventh in hits with 67. As Peeke turns 28 next month, his performance could be a key factor in the Bruins' playoff push.