Feb 27, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing JJ Peterka (77) celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images.One potential trade target for the Minnesota Wild got traded last night to the Utah Mammoth. We previously talked about Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka as a possible trade target for the Wild. But he was dealt last night.
The Sabres got back defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Dean. The Mammoth instantly locked up Peterka with a five year contract at $7.7 million average annual salary.
According to a report by Michael Russo of The Athletic, the Wild actually offered forward Marco Rossi as a starting point in a potential trade for Peterka but the Sabres decided to take Utah's deal.
Peterka, 23, is the same age as Rossi and is in a similar spot. He is (was) a restricted free agent and is coming off a big year. Peterka had 27 goals, 41 assists, and 68 points in 77 games for the Sabres during the 2024-25 season.
Rossi, 23, had 24 goals, 36 assists, and 60 points in 82 games for the Wild during the 2024-25 season. With Peterka off the market, the Wild will have to look elsewhere for a potential trade.
