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.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations