Things keep going from bad to worse for the Buffalo Sabres, with rumors about a rift with rising star JJ Peterka swirling around.
After another disappointing campaign that saw the Sabres miss the playoffs for a 14th consecutive season, the franchise is facing renewed scrutiny over its direction and ability to retain young talent.
JJ Peterka’s Breakout Season and Trade Buzz in Buffalo
Peterka has had a stellar season with 27 goals and 41 assists for 68 points, making him the Sabres’ second-leading scorer. The 23-year-old’s rapid development since being drafted 34th overall in 2020 has been one of the few bright spots for Buffalo.
Fans retained hope that he would become part of a new core alongside the likes of Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, and Owen Power.
However, NHL insider Frank Seravalli has reported persistent rumblings that Peterka is not committed to Buffalo long-term.
“There may be no better player available, period, on the trade market this summer – let alone one of Peterka’s age at 23, already a top-line producer. Embattled Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has said publicly that he has no designs on trading Peterka, but the sense is that a change of scenery is in order,” Seravalli reported.
“Multiple teams put together significant offers for Peterka in the days leading up to the March deadline, but Buffalo was not biting then. They may have less choice now with a potential offer sheet waiting on the other end of July 1,” Seravalli wrote via The Daily Faceoff.
As a pending restricted free agent (RFA), Peterka is eligible to receive offer sheets from other teams, which could force the Sabres’ hand if they are unwilling or unable to match a lucrative contract. His projected next deal could be substantial, possibly in the range of $7 million per year for seven years.
“The growth of his game makes you believe that the Sabres would view him as a core piece of their future. However, the feeling may not be mutual from Peterka’s side of things,” Seravalli noted.
Peterka is not the only one reportedly unhappy in Buffalo. On the May 22 edition of his “32 Thoughts” podcast, Sportsnet analyst Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Sabres are actively gauging the trade market for defenseman Bowen Byram, a restricted free agent this summer. Analysts have suggested that Byram may not be satisfied with remaining behind Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power on Buffalo’s depth chart.
The Sabres finished 14th in the Eastern Conference this season, going 36-39-7. The pressure the franchise is under is compounded by the fact that both general manager Kevyn Adams and head coach Lindy Ruff are entering the final year of their contracts, which will mean extra scrutiny and less authority for the decision-makers.
