Photo credit: Joe Nicholson / USA Today
32 Thoughts podcaster and Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman stated on his latest episode at the Buffalo Sabres have given the New York Rangers a stern warning about acquiring forward JJ Peterka.
Rumors have been swirling around the Sabres organization at Peterka is not happy in Buffalo and may seek a trade out of the organization which has been linked to the Rangers.
Peterka may want out of Buffalo this summer
The Buffalo situation continues to worsen as the team has kicked the tires around trading several of their key players including defenseman Bowen Byram and JJ Peterka.
Adding Peterka will change the look of the Rangers lineup if a trade can be crafted and they would likely cost a significant price to bring him to the Big Apple.
The 23-year-old was drafted by the Sabres in 2020, second round 34th overall. His game has progressively improved since his career began in 2021 in this season he played 77 games, scoring 27 goals with 41 assists for 68 points and was a – 1.
Both parties will need to make their decisions soon as the Sabres would like to lock him up to a long-term deal but many feel that Peterka’s camp is not so keen on remaining with the Sabres.
Opportunity for Rangers to send Sabres an offer for Peterka
The appetite for change in the Rangers organization is quite strong after their disappointing season where the team did not make the playoffs after being the President’s Trophy winner the year prior.
Adding a player like Peterka to the Rangers lineup would be a great help especially on their power play and in their offensive output.
Any trade going to Buffalo would require Peterka to sign on a long-term deal heading back to the Rangers as a guarantee to make the deal worthwhile.
A player of his caliber would certainly warrant a return of a first round pick and high end prospect which could include Brennan Othmann and or Gabe Perreault.
A player of Peterka’s caliber would mean a likelihood of a deal being struck at the NHL draft or during the summer.
It remains to be seen on whether a deal can be crafted or if the Sabres are just talking with no action.
Previously on NYRangersInsider