JJ Petrka traded to the Utah Mammoth in a blockbuster late-night trade

The Sabres traded JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth late Wednesday night, in exchange for Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring
Mar 29, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing JJ Peterka (77) controls the puck against Philadelphia Flyers center Ryan Poehling (25) in the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Mar 29, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing JJ Peterka (77) controls the puck against Philadelphia Flyers center Ryan Poehling (25) in the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The Utah Mammoth are acquiring forward JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring. Peterka is coming off a breakout season in Buffalo, where he tallied 27 goals and 71 points in 82 games.

This comes as a shock, as many expected Peterka to re-sign with the Sabres this offseason. There were many rumors about a deal in place, but this comes as a major shock, as no one was convinced the rumors were true.

The Sabres acquired Josh Doan, who had 19 points in 51 games as a bottom-six winger for the Mammoth. They also acquired Michael Kesselring, who appeared in all 82 games for the Mammoth this year. He had 29 total points and finished with a positive plus-minus of +4.

I think Kesselring is the big piece in this trade, as it gives the Sabres a solid defenseman on the right side of the ice. The Sabres will have the opportunity to sign him at the end of the year, as he will be a free agent.

It will be interesting to see if the Sabres ultimately win this trade, but for now, Sabres fans are not pleased with the outcome.