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Buffalo Sabres: JJ Peterka is having a better season than you think so far

By Sion Fawkes

Oct 27, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing JJ Peterka (77) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing JJ Peterka (77) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s no secret that Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka is enjoying a remarkable season so far, but it’s been better than you may think.

Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka foreshadowed his remarkable first nine games in 2023-24 when he experienced a historic run at the 2023 IIHF World Championships for Team Germany. It was something similar to what Dylan Cozens did in 2022 while playing for Team Canada, and he broke out for a 68-point season last year. Cozens (seven points) is once again off to a hot start, so we’ll see if that continues in November.

Meanwhile, Peterka’s first nine games have just been epic. He has four goals and points in nine games, putting him on pace for 36 this season, and it’s easy to assume he’ll get some assists sooner than later. But if you want a few cool metrics involving Peterka, here’s how he compares to the rest of the team:

JJ Peterka could be the Buffalo Sabres breakout player in 2023-24

So far in 2023-24, JJ Peterka has been the Blue and Gold’s breakout player, and that trend should continue as the season progresses if he stays healthy. As the statistics above indicate, not only has Peterka been crushing it offensively, but he’s also been good when the puck isn’t in the Sabres possession.

Peterka showed us flashes last year, but they didn’t necessarily come into fruition until his epic performance at the 2023 IIHF Worlds. But Peterka wasn’t the only player who displayed some foreshadowing, as his linemate in 2022-23, Jack Quinn, did the same.

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Quinn won’t be back until at least January 2024, but once he rediscovers his groove, he could also make a jump similar to Peterka’s. And to have a pair of second-year forwards making such progress is a scary thought if you’re facing the Buffalo Sabres during the latter parts of the season. Quinn just needs to get back to 100 percent, and Peterka needs to stay at 100 percent.

(Analytics and statistics verified from Evolving-Hockey [subscription])

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