NHL Trade Tracker: Peterka to Utah Leads Offseason Shakeups
The NHL offseason is in full swing, with the Entry Draft just days away on June 27 and free agency opening its doors on July 1. While the focus often turns to incoming prospects and unrestricted free agents, the period leading up to these key dates is also ripe for significant roster adjustments via trade. Teams are actively maneuvering to improve their immediate prospects, shed salary cap burdens, or retool for the future.
The most notable recent transaction saw the Buffalo Sabres and the newly established Utah Mammoth complete a three-player deal involving promising young forwards.
The Major Trade: J.J. Peterka Heads to Utah
On June 26, the Utah Mammoth acquired forward J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres. In return, Buffalo received defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan. This significant swap notably did not involve any draft picks.
Utah’s Viewpoint: An “Incredible Move”
For the Utah Mammoth, entering their second season in Salt Lake City, this trade is being hailed as a major win. Management has signaled an aggressive offseason approach aimed at making a playoff push, and acquiring Peterka is seen as a cornerstone piece.
Peterka, a 23-year-old German forward, was coming off a career-best season for Buffalo, tallying 68 points (27 goals, 41 assists) in 77 games. Known for his natural scoring ability, dynamic rushing style, and effectiveness in transition, he was a restricted free agent prior to the trade. Immediately following the deal, Utah secured his future by signing him to a substantial five-year contract worth $38.5 million ($7.7 million AAV).
Utah General Manager Bill Armstrong lauded Peterka as a “highly skilled, creative, young forward with extremely high upside” who is expected to “solidify our scoring and add to what is already a great young core.” Securing him long-term at a reasonable cap hit is viewed as a crucial step toward building a “sustainable contender.” The price paid – Kesselring and Doan – is considered favorable compared to earlier rumors suggesting Peterka’s asking price might include a first-round pick and multiple high-level prospects. Some analysts have even graded this trade as an “A++” for Utah, calling it a “masterclass.”
Buffalo’s Return: Adding Size and Two-Way Play
On the other side of the deal, the Buffalo Sabres made moves with the stated goal of becoming “more competitive and tougher to play against” as they look to end a challenging 14-season playoff drought.
They acquired 25-year-old defenseman Michael Kesselring and 23-year-old forward Josh Doan. Kesselring, a right-shot blueliner, also had a career year in Utah, recording 29 points (7 goals, 22 assists) in 82 games, benefiting from increased ice time. He has one year remaining on his current contract. Doan, the son of former NHL captain Shane Doan, posted 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) in 51 games last season and has one year left on his entry-level deal.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams stated that Kesselring fits the profile of the right-handed defenseman the team sought, appreciating his size and compete level to add balance to the defense. He highlighted Doan’s track record of winning, strong leadership pedigree, and two-way style, anticipating he will bring versatility.
However, the return for Peterka has been met with criticism from some observers. Given Peterka’s age, ascending production, and potential, the package received – particularly the absence of any draft picks – has been called “a little embarrassing” by some, who graded it as an “F+.” Trading an on-the-rise player like Peterka early in his career is viewed as a significant risk, especially when other teams might have offered a higher price.
Other Notable NHL Trades This Offseason
Beyond the Peterka deal, several other impactful trades have recently reshaped rosters across the league:
June 25: Oilers Trade Evander Kane to Canucks
A significant salary cap move for Edmonton, saving over $5 million to help facilitate the re-signing of defenseman Evan Bouchard. The Oilers received a fourth-round pick, while the Canucks added the veteran forward who is a Vancouver native.
June 23: Flyers Acquire Trevor Zegras from Ducks
Philadelphia landed the creative forward known for his highlight-reel goals. Zegras reportedly sought an opportunity to play center, which wasn’t available in Anaheim’s top six. The Ducks received center Ryan Poehling, who addresses their needs in faceoffs and penalty killing, along with a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder.
June 21: Blackhawks, Kraken Make Swap
Chicago acquired left wing Andre Burakovsky from Seattle. Burakovsky, who had an improved season with 37 points (10 goals, 27 assists) after dealing with injuries, became available following the Kraken’s acquisition of Mason Marchment. The Blackhawks sent center Joe Veleno to Seattle.
June 19: Kraken Acquire Mason Marchment from Stars
Dallas moved Marchment and his $4.5 million contract to Seattle to clear crucial salary cap space after re-signing Matt Duchene. The Kraken acquired the 22-goal scorer, known for his size (6-foot-5) and physical play, in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2025 fourth-rounder.
As the draft and free agency rapidly approach, expect the pace of trades to intensify further as teams finalize their strategies for the upcoming season.
