On Peeke, that's a fair statement. There is risk to Peeke. A couple of years ago, he was absolutely someone I wanted to obtain. He was playing very well, big, mobile, physical, good defensively, exactly the type of guy you'd want beside Mo.. but when Columbus started to be terrible, and their goaltending blew up last year... Elvis put up a 0.876 SV % last year, Peeke's game suffered. He had a poor year last year, Columbus made a bunch of offseason acquisitions, and now they have 5 RD. At least Jiricek can be moved to the AHL, though he's very unhappy being their, and believes he's being held back... he's got a point.
They had Gudbranson, traded for Severson and his $6.25 mil contract, already had Boqvist as well.... So Peeke was the odd man out. This year has been worse for him..
He really needs a new start somewhere else, as I think this is more mental, than what speaks about his capability. I agree that there is risk with him, that he doesn't go back to how he was trending prior to last year. I mean, if you end up getting the 21/22 trajectory Peeke on that contract, it's one of the biggest steals out there. If he doesn't get back there, it's a boat anchor absolutely.
If I thought Peeke wasn't a risk, he'd be at the top of my list. If I was absolutely confident he would be "peak" Peeke, he'd be much higher. That there are a bunch of people below him, is more of a reflection of I like them even less, or in some cases, their contracts less. Parayko is expensive, we've seen our guys walk around him like he's a pylon, he just doesn't deal with speed well anymore. Tanev is a player I like, but he's had injuries and is a UFA. If you could guarantee a reasonable contract extension, I'd rank him higher. I don't think Mayfield or X are good enough to be a Mo partner.... Schenn's contract is terrible for who he is, and he's played terribly this year. Then there are just a bunch of names.
And Dumba, who just isn't good anymore, and doesn't bring the qualities that we once thought of. We are just better doing nothing, than obtaining him, at any price. I mean, Dumba at 50% for Reaves... I'd consider that... because we get out of Reaves contract...
I'm a Peeke fan.. Lagesson isn't close to the player Peeke was two years ago.... Today... they aren't that far apart to be honest... Peeke's game has taken a turn for the worse with Columbus being bad... I don't know if it's his confidence, because there hasn't been a significant injury that I'm aware of to explain it. With his contract at $2.75... 2021/22 Peeke is a bargain... today, it's a boat anchor, unless he returns to form.