It was a successful sophomore campaign for Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka. As the only Sabre to play in all 82 games, the German winger had a 50 point season with 28 goals and 22 assists. He was also a +10 in 2023/2024. In his second year, he doubled the amount of goals he scored in 2022/2023 (14), so Peterka was a pleasant surprise this year for the blue and gold.
Just like his teammates, Peterka was with different linemmates. He spent the majority of his time with Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn before Quinn got hurt. Towards the end of the season however, JJ saw himself on a line with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch.
After former head coach Don Granato made the switch, Peterka thrived on his new line. Looking ahead to next season though, where should new head coach Lindy Ruff put the German forward? With his success on the top line, JJ has great chemistry on the kid line with Cozens and Quinn.
Regardless of where he will play, there is no doubt that he will be in the top six. JJ is a huge part of this Buffalo team as he finished second in goals and fourth in points. If I had to predict, I think Peterka will be on the top line.
While I love what he brings to the table with the kid line, his play this season earned himself a spot on the first line. No matter where he is in the lineup, he's going to excel. But depending on what the Sabres do in free agency and how he performs, leaving JJ with Tage and Tuch would be my decision if I was the coach.
The Sabres will have some decisions to make in the offseason for 2024/2025. While there are more important issues they need to address, determining where Peterka will play will be something they need to discuss.