The deal also includes a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

Peeke, a 25-year-old right-shot defenseman, brings physicality to the ice with his 6-foot-3 frame. However, the trade has raised some eyebrows, as the Bruins do not have a pressing need for a right-side player. Instead, their left side and forward group are areas that require attention.

Another factor complicating the trade is Boston's current short-term cap crunch. Peeke, signed for two more years, carries a $2.75 million cap hit. While not exorbitant, his limited experience and performance for the last-place defensive team in the league leave room for improvement before justifying his contract value.

With Peeke on the ice, Columbus has struggled, having just a 36 percent expected goal rate, making him far from a player worth his current salary. The Bruins, however, are banking on Peeke's potential, hoping that he will develop and contribute positively to their team over the next two years.

Undoubtedly, the trade is seen as a curious use of cap space and assets by one of the Eastern Conference's top teams. If Peeke had been a pending unrestricted free agent, the deal might have been considered as low risk. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

On the Blue Jackets' side, the trade is seen as a success. Peeke had been a regular scratch in the lineup, struggling when given the opportunity to play. Shedding his contract would have been sufficient for Columbus, but they managed to secure a valuable third-round pick in return.

In addition to Peeke, the Bruins also acquired defenseman Jakub Zboril, a former 2015 first-round pick. Zboril has spent the current season in the AHL and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

The trade has left hockey enthusiasts intrigued and questioning the motives behind Boston's decision. Only time will tell if this move will pay off for the Bruins or become a forgettable blip on their roster movements.

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