The Utah Mammoth have made a significant splash in the NHL offseason, acquiring forward JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres and immediately signing him to a lucrative five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.7 million. The move, finalized Wednesday night, sends defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan to Buffalo in exchange for the talented young forward.
Peterka, a 23-year-old German native, is coming off a career year with the Sabres, where he tallied 27 goals and 41 assists for 68 points in 77 games. His offensive prowess and ability to keep up with a fast-paced game make him a perfect fit for the Mammoth, who were looking to bolster their top-six forward group and add some much-needed scoring punch. In the 2024-2025 season, the team tied for 20th in the league in goals per game, highlighting the need for an injection of offensive talent.
For the Sabres, the trade addresses their need for right-handed defensive depth with the acquisition of Kesselring, while Doan, son of longtime Coyotes captain Shane Doan, adds depth to their forward ranks. Kesselring, 25, is coming off his second full NHL season, where he proved to be a solid presence on the blue line, tallying 7 goals and 22 assists in 82 games. Doan, in 51 games with Utah last season, contributed 7 goals and 12 assists.
Peterka was drafted by the Sabres in the second round (34th overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Over his three-plus seasons in Buffalo, he recorded 150 points. The Mammoth are betting that Peterka's upward trajectory will continue in Utah, especially when playing alongside other skilled forwards like Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther. According to Evolving Hockey, Peterka finished the past season with 21 Offensive Goals Above Replacement (OGAR), placing him among the league's elite offensive players like Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov, and Leon Draisaitl. While his defensive game needs improvement, his offensive capabilities are undeniable.
The trade marks the first major move for the Utah Mammoth as they establish their identity in a new market. By securing Peterka with a long-term extension, the Mammoth are signaling their commitment to building a competitive team. The move is seen as a win for the Mammoth, who acquire a dynamic young forward with the potential to become a key player for years to come. The Sabres, on the other hand, address their needs on defense and add a promising young forward to their prospect pool.
With the 2025 NHL Draft approaching, this trade could be the first of several moves for both the Mammoth and the Sabres as they look to shape their rosters for the upcoming season. The acquisition of Peterka is a bold move by the Mammoth and one that could pay dividends in the years to come.
