Matthew Peca

February 2020 – Peca has been traded from Montreal to Ottawa.  Jokke Nevalainen

June 2019 – Peca spent a large part of last campaign as a healthy scratch. As the forward is eligible for waivers, it is understandable as to why he was not sent down to Laval. His playing for the Canadiens seemed to hinge on regular roster players being injured. With three goals and 10 points in 39 games, his lack of progress offensively dictated his deployment. Peca has one-year remaining on his contract with the Canadiens. At this point I would steer clear of Peca in all fantasy formats. Jesse Sherman

July 2018 – The Montreal Canadiens have signed Peca to a two-year, one-way contract. This likely means Peca gets a chance to earn a full-time NHL job next season.  Jokke Nevalainen

May 2018 – The UFA-to-be continues to defy expectations late into his development with the Lightning. As the Lightning has shown over the past year, there will always be room for a player to break into their lineup if he is willing to compete and contribute, regardless of his age or development path. The Quinnipiac graduate was featured in 10 regular season NHL games over the past year, showing a knack for offense, and tenacity. Peca will no longer be waivers-exempt as he enters the league this coming fall, which could make his demotion slightly more complicated for the Lightning, should they wish to continue monitoring his development for their own use. Peca’s contract should be extended, and if a regular opportunity is available in the lineup once the team has dealt with each of their other free-agents, expect him to receive a fair shake on fourth-line duty to start the season. If waivers (or a non-renewal) are what his future comes down to, another NHL club will surely be willing to take a swing, and Peca could see himself in a new uniform sooner rather than later. Brayden Olafson

January 2018 – Peca will be the lone representative of the Syracuse Crunch at the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic in Utica New York this month. The 24-year-old leads the Crunch in scoring at the half-way point at a sustainable pace, however, the Lightning have yet to require his services. A salary cap crunch remains in the Lightning’s future, and Peca appears to be peaking at an appropriate time to take advantage of it, perhaps as soon as next fall in a supporting role. Brayden Olafson

September 2017 – After earning his second contract with the Lightning, Peca came to Lightning training camp well prepared to prove his worth. Coach Cooper has given Peca a great opportunity this preseason to out battle other prospects who find themselves in a similar position within the Lightning system, and so far Peca has shown that he might be more of an NHL player than previously given credit for. Aside from his gritty play and strong puck battles, Peca has given some indication that his hard-nosed driven offense can be converted to the NHL level. If nothing else, Peca has earned the right to remain in camp, and will likely be one of the first emergency recalls for the Lightning through the season if he does get cut. Brayden Olafson

July 2017 – The second-year pro signed his second contract with the Lightning after coming off a season in which he was a major cog in the Crunch lineup, as well as a serviceable emergency call-up for the Lightning. In his 10-game stint with the Lightning, Peca proved that he was capable of playing a role in the NHL despite his below-average size. The contract is a two-way deal which will pay Peca a fraction of his NHL salary while he plays for the Crunch in the AHL. He will likely start the season in Syracuse and play a similar role with both clubs throughout the season. In the case of NHL injuries, Peca could be one of the first recalls based on his familiarity with the club, however major contributions should not be expected from him. A strong showing in any audition this season will go a long way for Peca in proving that he is worthy of sticking with the Lightning past this contract. Brayden Olafson

May 2017 – Although Peca showed little offensive growth in his 24-year-old season with the Crunch, the Quinnipiac University product did take on more of a leadership status with the AHL club, as well as earn himself two call-ups with the Lightning totaling 10 games. In the AHL playoffs, he has proven to be a clutch offensive weapon, as he continues to contribute alongside the Crunch veterans. His extra time spent in the AHL should pay dividends for Yzerman, as Peca looks to be developing into far more of a complete player than his seventh round pedigree would suggest. Brayden Olafson

December 2016 – Matthew Peca’s hard work has paid off. He was recalled by the Tampa Bay Lightning and made his NHL debut Dec. 28 against the Montreal Canadiens (one SOG, one hit in 13:03). Peca has five goals and 17 points in 28 games with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch this season. The seventh-round pick in 2011 has always been criticized for his small stature, but his speed and offensive instincts are second to none, which attracted the Lightning to select him. He has great patience and can easily jump into the rush. Lightning coaching staff and scouts have seen him continuously improve his game and become more consistent, thus earning his NHL debut. Peca’s biggest test will be to prove he can compete against bigger and faster opponents in the NHL. Peca isn’t expected to stick with the Lightning once players start returning from injury but this will be a good taste of NHL action and allow both him and the Tampa Bay Lightning to see how he fits further in the organization. Kathryn Jean May 2016 – Former Quinnipiac University standout Matthew Peca played his first full season with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL this season. Peca was a very good player with the Crunch this year and was relied on to make good defensive plays as well as set up scoring chances offensively. Eight goals on the year is by no means fantastic, but most of them were very timely goals coming late in games as tying goals or putting the game at a one goal differential. Peca also came off as very aggressive this year. Being a speedy skater, Peca often uses his quickness in order to get the loose puck or gain advantage on a defender. His playmaking ability also became an underrated part of his game. – Max Marko