Sabres Send JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth
The Buffalo Sabres have finalized a trade that sends forward JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth, according to sources close to the situation. This move ends weeks of speculation about the future of the 23-year-old player, who was a restricted free agent. In exchange for Peterka, the Mammoth send 23-year-old forward Josh Doan and 25-year-old defenseman Michael Kesselring to Buffalo. In addition, Peterka has agreed to a five-year contract extension with Utah, with a salary cap hit of $7.7 million. Doan has one season remaining on his entry-level contract, with an average annual value of $925,000. Kesselring is also signed through next season, with a cap hit of $1.4 million. Both players would become restricted free agents next summer. Peterka, in his third season in the NHL, recorded 27 goals and 41 assists, totaling 68 points in 77 games. This was his second consecutive season with at least 27 goals. His average ice time of 18:11 and his numbers on the power play (6 goals, 12 assists) also increased. For weeks, it was speculated in the NHL that Peterka desired a fresh start with another team instead of renewing with the Sabres, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2011.One day later, Peterka was traded to Utah. The Mammoth are reinforced with a goal scorer needed for a team that ranked 21st in goals per game last season (2.93). Peterka brings speed and tenacity, along with the ability to generate offense from the counterattack. Adams commented that Peterka’s exit meetings with him and coach Lindy Ruff were “very positive, productive, and honest conversations” about what Peterka has done well and where he can improve. Adams praised Peterka’s “maturity” in analyzing his own game for areas of improvement, such as in defense. Peterka’s $7.7 million salary cap hit is the second-highest in Utah, behind defenseman Mikhail Sergachev ($8.5 million). The Sabres get a young forward with potential in Doan, who has 28 points in 62 career games with Utah and the Arizona Coyotes, the team’s previous incarnation. Kesselring gives Buffalo a right-handed defenseman who can fit into their top four on the blue line. Furthermore, the duo is more profitable than what Peterka would have obtained in a new contract through arbitration, if the parties had decided to take that path. Instead, the talented German-born winger is heading to Salt Lake City.I don’t want to say yes or no because I don’t think it’s the right time. I just don’t think it’s fair to the player, to be honest with you, to answer that.
Kevyn Adams, General Manager of the Sabres
