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Buffalo Sabres: Will J.J. Peterka win the Calder Trophy?

By Sion Fawkes

LAVAL, QC - APRIL 08: John Peterka #77 of the Rochester Americans and Alex Belzile #22 of the Laval Rocket skate against each other during the second period at Place Bell on April 8, 2022 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Rochester Americans 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC - APRIL 08: John Peterka #77 of the Rochester Americans and Alex Belzile #22 of the Laval Rocket skate against each other during the second period at Place Bell on April 8, 2022 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Rochester Americans 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Peterka could see consideration for the Selke a few years down the road. In 2022-23, can he overcome the odds and snag the Calder with the Buffalo Sabres?

In earlier articles, we made the case for and against the likes of Owen Power and Jack Quinn winning the Calder Memorial Trophy. But the Buffalo Sabres also have a third viable candidate that may find themselves in the running for the award. That candidate is none other than John Jason “J.J.” Peterka.

What makes Peterka such an intriguing prospect is his overall physicality. While he showed he can score at will last season with the Rochester Americans, Peterka possesses a defensive mentality that might mean he ends up on the checking line in Buffalo. At least in the short-term.

While it won’t happen this season, it is further realistic to believe that Peterka, given his two-way nature, can even find himself in the running for the Selke Trophy. Something teammate Rasmus Asplund finished 19th in the voting for this past season.

Buffalo Sabres
Oct 5, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing John-Jason Peterka (77) carries the puck into the offensive zone against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins won 5-4 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Buffalo Sabres winger J.J. Peterka win the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2022-23?

While he has just 70 games of AHL experience, Peterka’s stats are as follows: 68 points, 28 goals, and 40 assists. He also scored an astounding 12 points (seven goals) in the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs. His efforts won him AHL All-Rookie honors and he even saw time with the Buffalo Sabres for two regular season contests.

Now bodes the question: What will an encore performance look like for Peterka? As with all incoming rookies, expect an up and down season in Buffalo if he makes the squad this October. He will put on performances that you saw last season in Rochester, but he will also have some what was he thinking all game moments.

Such is life for a pending NHL rookie. But assuming Peterka earns a spot on the roster, can he win the Calder? Keeping reading to find out why he can.

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