The Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning] were one of the teams linked to star winger JJ Peterka [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/report-lightning-linked-to-sabres-star], but he is officially no longer a potential option for them. This is because the Buffalo Sabres have traded Peterka to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan. Following the trade, Peterka quickly signed a five-year, $38.5 million contract with the Mammoth. Thus, he will be in Utah for a long time. Peterka would have been a major addition to the Lightning's roster if acquired, so it is rough that he is officially off the board. When looking at the Lightning's forward group, Peterka would have given their top six a significant boost and could have been a perfect fit on their power play. However, Peterka is now heading to Utah, and the Lightning will need to explore their options elsewhere. Peterka, 23, played in 77 games this season with the Sabres, where he recorded 27 goals, 41 assists, and 68 points. Overall, it was another strong year for the 2020 second-round pick, and he is continuing to improve with each season that passes. While Peterka would have been a nice pickup for the Lightning, they still have other options to consider if they want to bolster their forward group this off-season. It will be intriguing to see what kind of moves the Lightning make this summer from here. Lightning Rumors: 3 Teams Who Could Sign Nick Perbix [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bf99d6ce-5768-4307-8b3e-4aefb756e9a3.webp] Lightning Rumors: 3 Teams Who Could Sign Nick Perbix <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/">Tampa Bay Lightning </a>defenseman Nick Perbix is expected to test the free-agent market on July 1. With the 27-year-old being one of the top pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) right-shot defensemen who can hit the market this summer, he should have plenty of suitors. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-rumors-3-teams-who-could-sign-nick-perbix] Photo Credit: © Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
