A few claim J.J. Peterka will wind up in the AHL, but he has constantly lined up on the Buffalo Sabres third line, stating he will land on the main roster.
While Jack Quinn continues to impress on the ice, J.J. Peterka has been up and down. However, let’s look at this as a good omen, as this time last season, Peterka experienced his fair share of struggles in Rochester before he became a star player. Perhaps something similar will occur with the Buffalo Sabres.
In the NHL, however, it is way too farfetched for a rookie like Peterka to morph from struggling forward to a top player. It isn’t so farfetched in the idea that he will steadily improve this season and become one of the league’s more adequate rookies.
J.J. Peterka will be serviceable for the Buffalo Sabres
When I wrote my bold predictions for the Sabres, I stated Peterka would become the next great two-way forward on the team. Each bold prediction I made is a good way to measure a player’s ceiling, while these individual predictions are a bit more realistic.
I can see Peterka becoming serviceable in his role at forward with the Sabres, likely keeping a spot on the third line for the entire season. He will see his fair share of scores and defensive plays. You can also expect him to create and grow his game steadily throughout the season.
Numbers-wise, I’m not expecting the house from Peterka. Give him between 30 and 40 points in 70 games this year, knocking down between 10 and 15 goals, with between 20 and 30 assists. You may see him rack up the hits, however, and he may also set numerous plays in motion, given his ability to drive the puck.
Overall, Peterka’s numbers aren’t going to wow you. But don’t measure his success by overall productivity. Instead, measure it by how well he progresses this season.