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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.

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
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.

ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 30: JJ Peterka #77 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 30, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 30: JJ Peterka #77 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 30, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Why Peterka wins the Calder

Owen Power may be listed as a defenseman, but you can argue Peterka is more physical. This immediately inflates his value for a potential spot on the checking line. It would be easy to see Peterka supplant Asplund for the winger position on the third line, presumably with Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons.

However, Peterka has shown, at least in the AHL, that he can be a better scorer if that success translates to the NHL. While it probably won’t translate so much early, Peterka’s play will steadily improve throughout the regular season on both offense and defense.

While you can argue that Jack Quinn is the more talented of the two, it was Peterka who took over in the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs while Quinn stagnated. This tells me that Peterka is the more consistent player, even if he lags slightly behind in talent.

Yes, it is a longshot that Peterka wins the Calder. But given how well he stepped into his role and played in the AHL, he is a player you just cannot count out to win the Calder.

ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 30: JJ Peterka #77 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 30, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 30: JJ Peterka #77 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 30, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Why Peterka won’t win the Calder

Peterka showed he was a great player at the AHL level, but lack of experience, sooner or later, is going to catch up. That wasn’t the case among second-tier talent, and Peterka looked like a rookie prodigy during his first full season in Rochester. You couldn’t have asked for a better season, but you will see a potential reality check in Buffalo if he is on the roster.

Peterka also won’t garner the same amount of ice time as Power – at least early on. During his eight-game cameo, Power averaged over 20 minutes of ice time in most contests. Peterka probably won’t see over 15 minutes throughout the season unless he stands out early.

Then there is the question as to whether the Sabres contend for at least a wild card. If this is the case, they will most likely hand ice time to their more experienced players unless Peterka picks up exactly where he left off last season.

Related Story. Will Jack Quinn win the Calder Trophy?. light

Overall, I see Peterka going through some rookie struggles. Not that the Calder is out of the question, but will be an uphill climb for both Peterka and teammate Jack Quinn. If the Sabres weren’t heading into the season with so much momentum, I may like both his and Quinn’s odds more.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-DB)

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