One year ago to the week, Andrew Peeke scored his first NHL goal.
361 days later, he's in the Columbus Blue Jackets lineup for the first time in the pandemic-shortened season.
First NHL goal for Andrew Peeke! pic.twitter.com/U3isT1etKU
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) February 16, 2020
Peeke, 22, saw limited ice time with the Blue Jackets last year - he averaged just under 14 minutes per game as a defenseman - but showed promise with his size, speed, and puck-handling ability.
In reality, Peeke probably would not have played at all last year, but the magnitude of injuries the team faced forced their hand.
Expected to be paired with veteran Michael Del Zotto should help the Parkland, Florida native as well. A majority of his minutes in the 2019-20 season came when he was teamed with Dean Kukan. Having the veteran leadership of Del Zotto, who has been impressive in his short time with the Blue Jackets, should help Peeke move along in his second stint with the team.
