The Utah Mammoth made their biggest splash of free agency by acquiring 23-year-old JJ Peterka in a blockbuster trade with the Buffalo Sabres on June 26. The five-year deal is worth $38.5 million with an average annual value of $7.7 million. Utah sent defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan to Buffalo in return for Peterka.
Peterka watched the Mammoth’s impressive debut season, when the team finished with 38 wins, 31 regulation losses, and 13 overtime/shootout losses for 89 points. The 23-year-old knows the newest team in the league still has room to grow, but he’s excited to be part of their journey to reach new heights.
Peterka Brings Elite Scoring to Utah Mammoth’s Young Core
Peterka has steadily improved during his four seasons with the Sabres. The right winger has put up 150 points (67 goals and 83 assists) over 238 regular-season games. His final season in Buffalo was particularly outstanding, with Peterka scoring 68 points over 77 games.
The competitive fire that drives both Peterka and the Mammoth makes this a perfect match. The 23-year-old winger sees the potential in Utah’s young roster and believes the timeline works perfectly for his career. “When you look at the roster, how many young players that are there who are already so good, timeline-wise for me, it’s going to be a perfect fit,” Peterka said.
Peterka emphasized that the team’s hunger to win drew him to Utah. “Growing together with those guys and hopefully winning a lot of games,” he said. The 23-year-old also praised the team’s new stadium, expected to open on Sept. 1, and the passionate fanbase.
We have acquired JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan.
Peterka has been signed to a 5-year deal. pic.twitter.com/zvA3k1gUsN
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) June 26, 2025
“I played there (in Utah) once, just the atmosphere was great, fans felt so tight and close to the ice, so it’s going to be really exciting,” he said.
Building Around Elite Young Talent
Peterka has every reason to be excited about playing for the Mammoth. The roster features standout players with serious playoff potential. Center Logan Cooley, drafted third overall in 2022, has racked up 109 points over 157 games. Clayton Keller posted 90 points in 81 regular-season games for Utah last season.
Adding Peterka to this core gives the Mammoth three legitimate scoring threats who can create offense in different ways. Cooley’s playmaking ability pairs well with Peterka’s finishing touch, while Keller provides veteran leadership at just 27 years old.
The depth scoring that plagued many teams last season won’t be an issue for Utah.
GM Bill Armstrong knows Peterka will need time to adjust to his new surroundings and system. Still, he’s confident the winger’s competitive nature will help him fit in quickly.
“He’ll take baby steps in getting here and learning to play our system and getting used to Utah and everything about it, and his new teammates,” Armstrong said. “But he wants to win and he’s a competitor.”
The trade also shows Armstrong’s commitment to building around the team’s young core rather than chasing expensive veterans. At 23, Peterka fits perfectly with Utah’s timeline and gives them a proven scorer who should only get better. His 68-point season in Buffalo proved he can handle top-six minutes and produce consistently.
With Peterka now in the fold alongside Cooley and Keller, the Mammoth have the offensive firepower to compete in the tough Western Conference. The question isn’t whether they’ll make the playoffs, but how quickly this young group can gel and make some noise when they get there.