The Buffalo Sabres agreed to send RFA JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth, insider Frank Seravalli initially reported.
The details of the deal remained unclear, hung up on an unknown contingency.
Breaking: Sources say #Sabres have agreed in principle to trade forward JJ Peterka to @utahmammoth. BUT there is apparently a contingency holding up deal.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 26, 2025
If completed, and still a big if, would be a big get for #TusksUp adding another 23-year-old top line forward to the mix.
A couple of hours later, the deal was confirmed throughout various outlets. The Sabres sent Peterka to the Mammoth in exchange for forward Shane Doan and blue liner Michael Kesselring.
Buffalo has traded JJ Peterka to Utah for Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring, per multiple sources pic.twitter.com/PHPpeQglww
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 26, 2025
The Sabres had not been actively shopping Peterka, at least as far as most reports are concerned. However, Peterka had been rumored to be on the block for some time.
The Fourth Period included Peterka in its 2025 Summer Trade List. As the Fourth Period noted, "Teams are calling about Peterka, but the Sabres aren’t overly eager to part with him. It sounds like it will take a significant offer for Buffalo to consider moving Peterka, who can become a restricted free agent July 1."
The Fourth Period listed Utah as an interested party. Given the comments regarding a “significant offer,” the return could mean the Mammoth’s fourth-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Interestingly enough, the Mammoth did not include the fourth-overall pick in the trade for Peterka. Rumors suggested that Utah was willing to trade the pick. However, it seems said pick was not in play for Peterka.
It makes sense the Sabres would not necessarily be interested in the fourth-overall pick as the team is looking for immediate help to contend for a playoff spot next season. The pick, while highly valuable, would not be conducive to winning right away. So, adding two solid young players could be more useful for Buffalo at this point.
However, the Sabres didn't get back a significant piece to replace Peterka's production. The failure to include the fourth-overall pick is mildly concerning. Had the Sabres gotten the pick back, the grade would have been an A. But given the overall return, this trade is a B for the Sabres and certainly an A for the Mammoth.
Peterka’s departure leaves hole in Buffalo Sabres’ lineup
Losing JJ Peterka leaves a hole in the Buffalo Sabres’ lineup. Peterka scored 27 goals and totaled 68 points in 77 games this past season.
The former second-round pick in 2020 could top 30 goals, as he’s been close over the last two seasons. In 2023-24, Peterka scored 28 in 82 games.
So, it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that Peterka, playing with a center like Logan Cooley, could breeze past the 30-goal mark.
The Sabres, meanwhile, need to find a suitable replacement for him. There’s always the chance the Sabres dip their toes in the free agent market and look to make a splash. While signing a player like Brock Boeser or Nikolaj Ehlers may be pushing it somewhat, the Sabres could find a comparable UFA to fill the void.
Of course, that’s mere speculation at this point. The return on the trade with the Mammoth includes Shane Doan, but he doesn't project as a 20-goal scorer at this point. Doan scored seven goals in 51 games last season.
As for Kesslering, he's already bounced around a bit during his young NHL career. Perhaps his addition could suggest a deal involving Bowen Byram might be forthcoming. That's something which could happen as the 2025 NHL Draft draws closer.