Did The Buffalo Sabres Get Enough in Return for JJ Peterka?

The Buffalo Sabres made their first trade of the 2025 offseason, sending forward JJ Peterak to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for Defenseman Michael Kesserling and forward Josh Doan. The question Sabres fans are asking is, "Was this a good trade?"

JJ Peterka was highly sought after this offseason. He's a crafty scoring forward who earned his way up the ranks to make the Sabres roster. He became a full-time member of the Sabre in 2022 and has improved statistically every year since. He scored 68 points with 27 goals last season and appears ready to have a big year, potentially averaging a point per game. It's the type of player you'd think the Sabres would want to keep. So why didn't they? Let's look at that, who they got in return, and try to answer if this was a good trade or not. Keep scrolling.

Why The Buffalo Sabres Did Not Keep JJ Peterka

First and foremost, it was rumored by NHL insiders that Peterka was unhappy in Buffalo. Why? That's all speculation, as are the rumors that he was unhappy. Just because insiders say it doesn't make it true or false.

Regarding him being unhappy, the thoughts of many are that he did not love playing for Lindy Ruff, who demands defensive responsibility out of his forwards. That's not an unusual ask, as one-dimensional players don't often last in the NHL and are liabilities to their team's success if they cannot defend. Again, this is a theory and not at all a fact.

Peterak is due a payday, and got that from Utah in this trade as he immediately agreed to a 5-year, $7.7 million average annual contract with the Mammoth. That may have been too rich for the Sabres, who have been burned in the past signing young players high-priced, long-term contracts, especially if the Sabres have eyes on bigger free agents and retaining people like Alex Tuch.

There's also the reality that Buffalo needs more defensive help and grit. This team is, respectfully, 10-ply soft at times on the ice. They aren't great at being physical and have left teammates lying on the ice without a response. Scoring goals isn't an issue, either, even without Peterka, though that's something they will need to address. What they received in return for Peterka has the potential to address both problems, but is it enough?

What the Sabres Got for JJ Peterka

In return, the Sabres got two high-potential players in defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan.

Kesserling is the big piece, literally. He's 6'5" tall, a coveted right-hand defenceman, and nasty. Keserling is known to use his body and be a gritty defender who seems to keep improving and moving the puck. He is not an offensive juggernaut, but did have 7 goals and 29 points in 82 gams last year. He's 25 years old and has a lot of hockey ahead of him. Keserling is a perfect partner for Owen Power or even Rasmus Dahlin, who the Sabres were in dire need of getting. Kesserling is a well-known asset.

Josh Doan is not a well-known asset, but he brings a lot of potential. Josh is the son of Utah/Arizona legend Shane Doan, but is not in the league due to nepotism. Doan has won and competed at a high level everywhere he has played on his path to the NHL. He's a smart, gritty player known for being a leader in a locker room. He has a big shot and clearly soaked up a lot of positive things from his father. He is only 23 years old. The thing with Doan is that it's unclear if he is an NHL regular or not. He split last season between Utah and the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners. He has not played in a full NHL season yet, but has only been a pro for 2 years. In 51 NHL games last season, he scored 7 goals and 12 assists.

So, in return for Peterka, the Sbars got a top 4 defenseman and a prospect with potential. Was it enough?

Did The Buffalo Sabres Get Enough in Return for JJ Peterka?

Most fans seem to think they did not get enough. Many wanted Utah's 4th overall pick or at least a swap of the Sabres' 9th for Utah's 4th. The narrative by some is that, because the Sabres have a bad reputation, they have limited trade options and therefore can't get enough in return for anyone, let alone Peterka.

From my point of view, I would have liked a little more; however, there's a "but" to that statement. Peterka was a hot name in the market and seems to be ready to explode in this league in terms of offensive production. BUT, he is a defensive liability, and the Sabres can't just make a top 4 defenseman appear. You have to give up something to get something. The Sabres desperately needed another defenseman, and Kesserling looks to be a perfect fit here. Kesserling has high potential and by all accounts zero baggage. To get that, you have to give up something of similar value. Peterka is that, and the Sabres got another piece that could pay dividends immediately for them, and Doan looks to be ready for a shot at a full-time NHL roster.

This isn't a bad trade, and might be a good trade. The "But" to that is this cannot be all Kevyn Adams does. He now has to bring in a top 6 forward to replace Peterka. That player has to be at least similar in point production and much better at defense. If he does that by trading away defenceman Bo Byram, then I will feel good about this trade. If he doesn't get that done, it's going to be hard to like it.

I would love to see a player like Marco Rossi come here, which has been a rumor for a while. I also would like to see them move the 9th overall pick because they do not need more depth at this point.

What do you think of the trade? Pat@WBUF.com