According to Frank Seravalli, JJ Peterka has been traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring. Peterka has additionally been extended to a 5x$7.7 million contract.
This is a huge move for Utah. They acquire a highly coveted young forward talent in JJ Peterka. The 23 year old German exploded for 68 points in 77 games last season on a woeful Buffalo squad.
Reports had been emerging of late that a Peterka trade would eventually occur, this was a matter of when not if. For the Utah Mammoth, this is a tone setting maneuver that signals they are ready to take a step forward and push for the playoffs next year. Peterka will likely slot in to a top line role on this emerging core. The addition of him to an already promising young forward crop that includes the likes of Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, etc.. is an exciting prospect.
For the Sabres, this is yet another home grown player they will lose. Buffalo has grown accustomed to losing their drafted players: Recent Stanley Cup Champions Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart are the most notable. The squad has been caught in a seemingly never ending rebuild, having not made the playoffs since the 2011 season. They do get 2 promising young talents in return who could aid in turning this ship around in Kesselring and Doan. The 25 year old Kesselring produced 29 points last season on the blueline. The 23 year old Doan put up 19 points on the offense.
Overall, this trade will create even further buzz to a Utah franchise that has gotten off to a hot start. They will be a fun team to watch next year.
