The Buffalo Sabres traded 23-year-old forward to the NHL’s Utah Mammoth as part of a pre-draft shakeup. Buffalo acquired forward Josh Doan and defenseman Michael Kesselring.
After the agreement was consummated, Peterka signed a five-year contract extension with Utah worth $38.5 million (roughly $7.7 million AAV).
J.J. Peterka comes to Utah off a breakout season in 2024-25, when he scored 27 goals and 68 points in 77 games, ranking second on the Sabres. Throughout his NHL career, he scored 150 points in 238 games and was recognized for his power-play and playmaking abilities, as well as international experience with Germany—most notably during their 2023 IIHF World Championship silver run.
Buffalo’s returning players include Josh Doan (19 points in 51 games last season) and 6’5″ Michael Kesselring, who had a breakout year with 29 points in 82 games. Sabres GM Kevyn Adams claimed the incoming duo will bring depth and grit as the team attempts to rise out of a 14-year playoff slump.
Meanwhile, Utah’s front office is thrilled with the acquisition. Mammoth president Chris Armstrong stated, “Bringing in a player with Peterka’s offensive ability is another step towards our goals,” indicating a desire to create a star-driven roster.
It’s a blockbuster trade that sends a budding star to Utah along with a large salary, while Buffalo hopes new faces will ignite change.