Questions about the Buffalo Sabres JJ Peterka trade are raised in the 2025–26 season.
Peterka was a fan favorite who contributed a lot of skill to the team, which made it difficult for fans to grapple with the trade. Even after the fact, Peterka started producing quick results for the Utah Mammoth. On top of that, there was Kesselring’s injury-prone perception, which led to questions about the trade being worth it.
Peterka’s History with the Sabres
Peterka, right winger, has contributed a lot to the Buffalo Sabres. At the age of 18 he was their 34th overall pick in the 2020 draft.
During the offseason, Peterka participated in the Sabres’ 2021 training camp. He was not selected for the Sabres roster, which led to him joining their farm team the Rochester Americans.
Building a name for himself with the Americans, he was a dependable scorer. Eventually, he was called up for the Sabres December 28, 2021. He then made his NHL debut December 29 when the Sabres faced the New Jersey Devils.
Peterka’s Stats
Peterka was with the Sabres for four seasons from 2021–25. His consistent lineup with Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn named the line “The Kid Line.”
Focusing on Peterka’s last season with the Sabres he played in 77 games. He also scored 27 goals, six being power play goals. He contributed 41 assists and racked up 68 points. Peterka had a plus minus of minus one.
What Was The Trade?
There had been discussion among fans and media about Peterka approaching restricted free agency following the 2024–25 season. His stats and ability to score in hard-to-reach spots got the attention of other NHL teams.
The tension continued to build. Then the decision was made on June 26, 2025, the Sabres traded the winger in exchange for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan from the Mammoth.
As more information unraveled, it became clear that Peterka wanted to leave Buffalo and approaching RFA was the window of opportunity.
The Other Trade Pieces
The other trade pieces, right winger Doan and defensemen Kesselring, were players on the Arizona Coyotes roster before the team rebranded and relocated and became the Utah Mammoth.
Jan 13, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; The Utah Mammoth celebrate a win against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images Comparing Stats
During his 2024–25 season with the Mammoth, Doan played in 51 games. He scored seven goals, three in which were power play goals. The winger also had 12 assists and racked up 19 points. He had a plus minus of minus two.
Focusing on Kesselring, he played in 82 games. He scored seven goals, only one being a power play goal. Kesselring had 22 assists and racked up 29 points. He had a plus minus of plus four.
At first glance, it is clear that Kesselring shows the most promise in the trade for Peterka. However, going through last season’s stats was just context for the value of the trade. Last season, Doan consistently put himself in scoring chance opportunities and was aware of them while on the ice.
Notably, Kesselring has also collected a total of 87 penalty minutes. Physicality is something that has been on the Sabres’ agenda, and the defenseman can help with that.
What Now?
Prior to the Olympic break, Doan had 18 goals, 21 assists, with a total of 29 points. He also had a plus minus of minus seven with the Sabres. He has continued to match the speed on his line and place himself in scoring opportunities.
Kesselring, on the other hand, was delayed due to a lower-body injury. However, he made his first appearance as a Sabre October 28, 2025 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The defenseman had one assist but tallied 37 penalty minutes, adding fire to the Sabres.
Peterka, prior to the break, had 20 goals, two of which were power-play goals. He had 18 assists, a plus-minus of +11, and a total of 38 points.
Peterka might be racking up points with the Mammoth. However, the two trade pieces have offered quite a bit outside of stats.
The Sabres haven’t had that much physicality since Rasmus Ristolainen was on the team in 2013–21. It wasn’t until Peyton Krebs adapted a spunky fighting persona that it started to return.
With Kesselring falling an inch shorter than center Tage Thompson, he has contributed a big presence on the ice. Match that with his physicality and the Sabres’ wingers have a strong support system. In addition, Doan’s front-of-the-net presence and adaptability earned him a seven-year contract extension.
End Of Sabres Rant
Overall, the trade was worth it. It didn’t come across as such at first and there are still a few months left in the season. For what it’s worth, Doan and Kesselring have shown some promise and can be considered a long-term investment for the Sabres.