Welcome back, Andrew Peeke.
John Tortorella recently said that the Blue Jackets would shuffle their defensive pairings for the games remaining in the season, and he was telling the truth. Sure, he's had his hand forced by the departure of David Savard to the Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as Zach Werenski's season-ending injury, but the Blue Jackets till have several NHL-caliber defensemen.
One of them is Peeke, who will draw back in tonight for Mikko Lehtonen. Peeke hasn't played for the Blue Jackets since February 23rd, and he's since played seven games with AHL Cleveland in order to work on the parts of his game that Tortorella wants to see improved.
"I'm excited to show what I can do, and what I've grown since going to Cleveland," said Peeke on Thursday afternoon. "For me, I was just trying to play really consistent every shift, making a positive impact on the game, controlling my game in my eyes...I took a lot of good steps, and I'm ready to go."
The Notre Dame product has tallied 0-2-2 in six games with the Blue Jackets this season, with a 44.9% CF. He's averaging 16:31 of ice time.
"It's always a tough thing when you get sent down," said Peeke. "You always want to be here in the NHL. I just took the mindset to improve my game and find my way back up to Columbus. Cleveland's a good spot. I worked a lot with Coach (Steve) McCarthy down there. He's an awesome guy and he really helped me."
Tonight, Peeke will slot in on the Blue Jackets' third pairing with Dean Kukan, who has spent time in Tortorella's doghouse all year.
A quick Peeke at tonight's lineup #CBJ | @BlueTech_Inc pic.twitter.com/MVr2CIpzIM
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 15, 2021
Elsewhere, Josh Dunne is set to make his NHL debut. He'll center Stefan Matteau and Kole Sherwood on a line that will likely see single-digit minutes, so they'll have to impress in a limited opportunity. Every shift will be crucial as the Blue Jackets' depth players compete for the opportunity to earn a roster spot next season.
Dunne is a Clarkson University product with a big frame, and some hands to go along with it. He's a bottom-six player, but he can pop up with a goal here and there. He was named the ECAC's Best Defensive Forward after the 2019-20 season.
The Blue Jackets and Stars will get underway tonight just after 8:30 in Dallas. Elvis Merzlikins gets the start in net for Columbus, and Jake Oettinger will be opposite him for the Stars.
