Mailbag: Should BOS resign this pending UFA?

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Thanks for the question!

There are a few factors that come into play here, some known, and others to be determined.

One that is known, is that the Bruins are thin on the right side of their blue line.

As it stands, Charlie McAvoy, Andrew Peeke, and Henri Jokiharju are the only every day, NHL caliber, right shot defensemen in the Bruins system - and even for Peeke, and Jokiharju, it could be argued that on a better roster they are each better slotted on a 3rd pair.

While Peeke's future beyond this year is unknown, Jokiharju is currently in year one of a three year deal making $3M per year.

Peeke's future could be jeopardy if Boston intends on upgrading their right side by acquiring a bona fide top four right shot defensemen to sandwich between McAvoy, and Jokiharju.

Another way Peeke's future could be in question, is if the Bruins had a right shot defense prospect on the horizon ready to make the NHL.

However, that's not the case right now.

In fact, Boston's 7th, 8th, and 9th defensemen on their organizational depth chart are all left shots in Jordan Harris, Frederic Brunet, and Michael Callahan.

So from this perspective, Peeke resigning is likely because he at least fills an organizational need.

But now let's talk about some of the unknown factors.

How does Peeke perform this year?

What would a potential contract look like?

Well, if he plays well, and it's a fair contract then resigning Peeke seems like a no brainer.

Signing Peeke to a 4 year deal at a cap hit of $3.75M seems fair for all.

He'll be 28 years old and locked up through his prime.

It does feel like, however, that Boston will want to upgrade their right side and in doing so may have to choose between Peeke and Jokiharju as their 3rd pair defenseman.

One of those guys is locked up for two years after this one, and the other is Peeke.

So just something to keep in mind, and keep an eye on.