In a significant offseason move, the Buffalo Sabres have traded dynamic forward JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. In exchange, the Sabres acquire defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan. The deal, announced Thursday, sees Peterka join the burgeoning Utah roster immediately signing a five-year, $38.5 million contract extension ($7.7 million average annual value).
Peterka, who was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1st, makes the jump to Utah following a career-best season with Buffalo.
Star Forward Joins Utah Mammoth Core
The 23-year-old German native is coming off a season where he posted 68 points (27 goals, 41 assists) in 77 games, tying for second on the Sabres in scoring and setting new career highs in several categories, including assists, total points, and power-play production (6 goals, 12 assists, 18 points). Known for his speed, stickhandling, and high hockey IQ, Peterka excels at creating offense off the rush and capitalizing on opportunities near the net, including an effective one-timer from the right circle.
Over his three seasons with the Sabres, Peterka accumulated 150 points (67 goals, 83 assists) in 238 games. Among all NHL players aged 23 or younger over the past two seasons, he ranked fourth in goals (55) and eighth in points (118). He also ranks prominently within his 2020 draft class, sitting seventh in career points and sixth in both goals and power-play points. Before his full-time NHL transition, Peterka dominated the AHL with the Rochester Americans, leading all rookies in goals and points in 2021-22 and earning a spot on the league’s All-Rookie Team. He has also represented Germany internationally, winning Best Forward honors at the 2023 World Championship en route to a silver medal.
Utah Mammoth leadership expressed strong enthusiasm for the acquisition. “JJ is a highly skilled, creative, young forward with extremely high upside,” said Utah General Manager Bill Armstrong. “He will help solidify our scoring and add to what is already a great young core of forwards on the roster. Signing JJ to a long-term extension is another positive step towards building a sustainable contender here in Utah.” Utah President Chris Armstrong echoed this sentiment, noting Peterka’s “caliber and offensive upside” as a significant step towards achieving the team’s objectives.
The move is seen as a major statement from Utah, signaling a clear intent to compete while sticking to a patient building process. Acquiring Peterka without trading significant young prospects or their recently acquired No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming draft highlights this strategy. With Peterka’s addition, Utah now boasts four forwards aged 26 or younger who recorded 60 or more points last season.
While Peterka’s offensive prowess is undeniable, external analysis notes his defensive contributions as an area needing improvement. Data suggests Buffalo allowed 3.3 goals against per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 when Peterka was on the ice last season, higher than key Utah players. Joining a more defensive-minded team, Peterka will be expected to become more assertive in his own zone.
Sabres Add Size and Versatility
On the other side of the deal, the Buffalo Sabres address key needs by bringing in Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan. Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams stated that making the team “more competitive and tougher to play against” is a top priority this offseason, and believes both players will help tremendously in those areas.
Michael Kesselring, a 25-year-old right-handed defenseman, is considered the principal piece heading to Buffalo. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Kesselring brings much-needed size and physicality to the Sabres’ blue line – traits Adams noted fit the mold of defenseman they sought. He is coming off a career-high 29 points (7 goals, 22 assists) in 82 games last season and has one year remaining on his contract at a modest $1.4 million cap hit before becoming an RFA. Adams is hopeful Kesselring can provide balance and elevate the rest of the defense corps, potentially playing top-four minutes.
Josh Doan, the 23-year-old son of former NHL star Shane Doan, is a forward known for his impactful forechecking and all-around game. He recorded 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) in 51 games for Utah last season. Characterized by Adams as a player who has shown the ability to win at multiple levels and brings great leadership pedigree, Doan is expected to provide versatility and fit into Buffalo’s middle-six forward group. He is entering the final year of his entry-level contract. Both Kesselring and Doan were teammates on the U.S. team that won gold at the World Championships in May.
For the Sabres, who finished with a disappointing 79 points and extended their playoff drought to 14 seasons, trading their second-leading scorer is a calculated risk aimed at re-shaping the roster and addressing specific needs ahead of what is expected to be a relatively weak winger free-agent market. The trade also provides significant cap flexibility for Buffalo, as the combined cap hit of Kesselring and Doan is considerably lower than Peterka’s new AAV, crucial as the team needs to sign several other restricted free agents.
Ultimately, the trade represents different strategic paths for both franchises: Utah solidifying their young offensive core with a significant long-term investment, and Buffalo acquiring needed size, physicality, and versatility to become a tougher team to play against, while also managing their cap structure for future moves.
