The 1st Ohio Battery summer prospect list keeps rolling right along with our #12 prospect, defenseman Andrew Peeke.
Reason for Ranking
Peeke was a second round pick in 2015. The big defenseman has spent the past two seasons playing in the NCAA for the University of Notre Dame, putting up 14 points in each season in 40 and 39 games respectively. He also suited up for Team USA at the World Juniors where he had two points in seven games.
Dan and Sam were in agreement on Peeke, ranking him at No. 11 and 10, respectively. I was on the low end, ranking Peeke at No. 17.
NHL Projection
Bottom-pairing defenseman.
Expectations were high for Peeke as the 34th overall pick, especially as he was picked ahead of players like Alex DeBrincat, Samuel Girard and Victor Mete, three players who have already played and had success in the NHL.
Peeke is the prototypical shutdown defenseman. He had a nice draft season where he scored 30 points in 56 games and the hope was that he was just starting to scratch the surface of his offensive potential. Unfortunately, his offensive game hasn’t grown in college and this looks to be what he is – a strong defensive defenseman with limited offensive upside.
There's room for these players in the game (just look at the impact Ian Cole had for the Blue Jackets down the stretch), but they are becoming few and far between.
Best Case Scenario
With Peeke, you're looking at a best case scenario of someone who can be a sturdy shutdown defenseman. He won’t carry a pairing, but he could be a fine complementary piece. It’s unlikely he becomes a top two defender, but top four isn’t out of the question. If ends up having a career like Cole, I think that would be a win for Columbus.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Size and mobility are Peeke’s two biggest strengths: he’s strong in his own zone and plays a physical hard-nosed game. You need to be strong on your skates to play in the NHL today and Peeke can be that type of player. What may hold Peeke back is his lack of offensive ability; he’s not good with the puck, and that raises concern about his NHL upside.
