Sabres, Utah Mammoth Execute Major Trade Ahead of NHL Draft
In a significant roster shake-up just days before the NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres have traded dynamic young forward JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. In return, Buffalo receives right-handed defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan, addressing key needs and reshaping their organizational depth.
The deal sends Peterka, who was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1, to Utah where he has immediately signed a five-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $7.7 million. For both franchises, the trade represents a bold move involving core young players as they look to improve their competitive standing.
Peterka Departs Buffalo After Breakout Season
JJ Peterka, a 23-year-old native of Munich, Germany, developed into a key offensive piece for the Sabres after being drafted 34th overall in 2020. He enjoyed a career-best performance this past season, tallying 68 points (27 goals, 41 assists) in 77 games, building on back-to-back campaigns with at least 27 goals. His 68 points ranked second on the Sabres, showcasing his continued growth since posting 12 goals and 20 assists as a rookie in 2022-23 and 28 goals and 22 assists in 2023-24.
Peterka was utilized heavily in Buffalo, often featuring on the first line and the top power-play unit, where his strong skating and ability to create offense off the rush were on display. However, despite his offensive talents, the young winger’s game is still evolving. He has acknowledged needing to improve his consistency (24 of his 68 points came in the final 22 games last season) and manage frustration better during play. Defensive reliability also remains an area for improvement; the Sabres controlled only 46 percent of expected goals at five-on-five with Peterka on the ice last season.
Initially, the Sabres had indicated no desire to trade Peterka, viewing him as a foundational piece. General Manager Kevyn Adams had publicly stated his commitment to the player. However, reports emerged that Peterka was seeking a change of scenery and was unlikely to sign a long-term deal in Buffalo. This development reportedly prompted Adams to explore trade options, ultimately leading to the decision to move the valuable, cost-controlled scorer who is just entering his prime.
Sabres Acquire Size and Versatility
In Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan, the Sabres gain two players identified by GM Kevyn Adams as fitting the team’s stated offseason priority of becoming “more competitive and tougher to play against.”
Michael Kesselring: The centerpiece of the return for Buffalo is the 25-year-old right-handed defenseman. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 220 pounds, Kesselring brings significant size and plays with a physical edge (“nastiness”). He is seen as a potential top-four defenseman who could complement Owen Power on the Sabres’ blue line. Kesselring is coming off a season with Utah where he recorded 29 points (7 goals, 22 assists) in 82 games. He has one year remaining on his current contract with a $1.4 million cap hit before becoming a restricted free agent. Acquiring a defenseman with Kesselring’s profile was reportedly a key objective for Buffalo this summer.
Josh Doan: The Sabres also add forward Josh Doan, the 23-year-old son of former NHL great Shane Doan. Josh Doan is characterized as an impactful forechecker with a well-rounded game suited for a middle-six role in Buffalo’s lineup. He registered 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) in 51 games for Utah last season, also adding 26 points in 28 AHL games. Doan is entering the final year of his entry-level contract. Notably, both Kesselring and Doan were teammates on the U.S. team that won the World Championships in May.
Cap Flexibility and Roster Outlook
Beyond the players acquired, the trade offers the Sabres significant salary cap flexibility. Buffalo takes back less than $2.5 million in cap hits for the upcoming season, a substantial saving compared to Peterka’s new $7.7 million AAV. This cap space is crucial as the Sabres navigate negotiations with several other restricted free agents, including Bowen Byram, Ryan McLeod, Jack Quinn, Jacob Bernard-Docker, and Devon Levi.
Trading their second-leading scorer is undoubtedly a risky move for a Sabres team that finished with only 79 points and extended its NHL-record playoff drought to 14 seasons. However, the move aligns with previous significant roster changes under Adams, such as the trade involving Dylan Cozens and Josh Norris. The acquisition of Kesselring directly addresses a need for a right-shot defenseman, while Doan adds forward depth and physicality. How this trade fits into the broader picture of Buffalo’s offseason plans remains to be seen, but it marks a definitive shift in the team’s forward group and defensive structure.
Utah Mammoth Adds High-End Offense
From Utah’s perspective, the acquisition of Peterka represents a major step towards boosting scoring and building a “sustainable contender,” according to Mammoth President of Hockey Operations Chris Armstrong and GM Bill Armstrong. Peterka’s 68 points last season would have ranked second on Utah, and the team is excited to add a “highly skilled, creative, young forward with extremely high upside” who they believe will solidify their scoring core alongside other young forwards. Securing Peterka long-term immediately upon acquiring him signals Utah’s commitment to making him a central part of their future. While acknowledging the difficulty in parting ways with valued players like Kesselring and Doan, Utah leadership expressed confidence that Peterka’s addition significantly enhances their offensive potential heading into their second season.
