Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
With the offseason already started for most of the teams in the NHL, players are now the subject of potential trade rumors around the league. One such trade rumor that has gained steam recently is that of the Buffalo Sabres and their forward JJ Peterka, who had a breakthrough year last season.
Peterka, who was drafted by the Sabres in 2020, has now played 4 seasons in Buffalo, but there is quite a bit of speculation that he is unhappy there and is looking to change teams. The Sabres, however, had no intentions of trading the German, but recent turn of events suggest otherwise.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman Believes the Sabres Could Move On From Peterka
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman has stated that initially, the Sabres were not keen on trading JJ Peterka, but now they are at least listening to offers for the forward. He also went on to state that Peterka’s unhappiness in Buffalo is common knowledge, and the Sabres seem to have changed their approach from not wanting to trade to entertaining the possibility.
“I have said that the Sabres have indicated that they don’t want to trade JJ Peterka – their answer has changed. They’re at least now listening on it, and I think that’s recent. People know Peterka’s unhappy. I think the Sabres realize they have to at least look into it.”
Elliotte Friedman on JJ Peterka:
“I have said that the Sabres have indicated that they don’t want to trade JJ Peterka – their answer has changed. They’re at least now listening on it, and I think that’s recent.
I think it’s the reality of the situation… People know Peterka’s… pic.twitter.com/vscQ49yA02
— The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) June 15, 2025
Read More: NHL Draft Order 2025 – What Is the Order of Picks for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft?
Consequences of Trading Peterka
From Buffalo’s standpoint, if they get a good value deal for Peterka, it would help them rebuild the roster. The Sabres finished last season with a 36-39-7 in the Atlantic division and missed the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season.
However, what will be interesting is what kind of trade the Sabres would consider noteworthy. For the Sabres to get back into postseason contention, they would need to look for teams that can provide immediate roster help, as opposed to teams that have high draft picks in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
The 23-year-old forward has been improving year on year with his play, and he is sure to provide an able production on offense to any team that needs more help in that area. Over the past three seasons, Peterka has consistently upped his points total from 32 in the 2022-23 season to 50 in 2023-24 and 68 from 77 games in 2024-25.
Also Read: NHL Misconduct Penalty – What Are the Most Penalty Minutes in an NHL Game?
In that sense, this will not be an easy decision to make, especially since Peterka’s production is on the rise with each passing year. The Sabres know they have a talent on their side and should look to build around him. Moreover, he is a restricted free agent, and if they want to keep him, they can very well do so.