Utah Mammoth are landing a big fish in Sabres' JJ Peterka
The NHL’s newest franchise just made a major splash.
In a bold move ahead of their inaugural season, the Utah Mammoth acquiring forward JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenceman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan.
Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) on X
Hearing the JJ Peterka deal to Utah is for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan.
Three players, no picks.
The 22-year-old German winger brings offensive flair, speed, and a promising upside to Utah’s growing roster. The deal is still pending but it signals that the Mammoth aren't just looking to build slowly, they want to compete right away.
Peterka is coming off a solid season in Buffalo, where he tallied 27 goals and 68 points in 77 games. A dynamic skater with a nose for the net, he’s expected to slot into Utah’s top six immediately and potentially headline their power play.
The return going back to Buffalo has two solid depth pieces with Kesselring likely slotting in as a top two pairing defenceman while Doan can man the middle-six forwards.
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For Utah, this is a statement deal, a sign they’re serious about creating excitement in Salt Lake City. Betters will flock to the Mammoth as a young and rising team that has just finished making one move to get a star level talent in Peterka and aren't finished there.
Utah has just short of $15 million in cap space and have been a notable team in the Mitch Marner sweepstakes. Fans could look to take subtle bets on the Mammoth to at minimum make the postseason this upcoming season as a couple more adds to an already fringe playoff contender will certainly put them in the picture.