Following several weeks filled with speculation in the rumor mill, the Buffalo Sabres have finalized an agreement to send winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. In return, the Sabres will receive defenseman Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan. Peterka had been generating significant buzz as a highly sought-after player, and he now joins a Mammoth squad that already boasts considerable offensive firepower.
Peterka, who recently celebrated his 23rd birthday in January, enjoyed a breakout season, tallying 27 goals and 41 assists. Notably, Peterka’s offensive output has shown substantial growth in each of his three professional seasons. The former second-round draft pick exhibits the potential to become a point-per-game performer and a legitimate top-line winger.
The Mammoth are an emerging force in the league, making this acquisition a logical move for them, especially if they believed they were unlikely to secure Mitch Marner in free agency. Peterka serves as a valuable alternative, even if he is considered less refined than Marner.
The compensation received by the Sabres may initially appear underwhelming, but they have not emerged from this transaction empty-handed. Kesselring is a defenseman with significant reach who possesses the potential to excel in a top-four role. Doan, at just 23 years old, has a strong possibility of securing a spot in Buffalo’s bottom-six forward group for an extended period.
Let’s examine the assets acquired by each team in this transaction and assess their respective outcomes in detail.
The trade
Mammoth receive
Sabres receive
- F Josh Doan
- D Michael Kesselring
Grades
Utah Mammoth
Peterka garnered immense interest on the trade market for a compelling reason. Identifying a 23-year-old player who has increased his production by 18 points in each of the past two seasons is a challenging task. During the 2024-25 season, Peterka’s 68 points tied him with Rasmus Dahlin for the second-highest total on the team, solidifying his position as a valuable addition to a promising young forward corps in Salt Lake City.
Peterka thrives on attacking with speed, injecting a quick-strike dimension into Utah’s offensive capabilities. Having amassed 55 goals over the past two seasons, Peterka has demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net at the NHL level, while also showcasing his impressive playmaking skills this past season. He nearly doubled his assist total from the previous year, increasing from 22 to 41.
While Peterka’s offensive prowess is undeniable, particularly during transitional plays, his game does have certain shortcomings. Notably, Peterka exhibits a tendency to concede a significant amount defensively. When Peterka was on the ice at five-on-five, the Sabres conceded 3.04 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60), according to Natural Stat Trick. This defensive deficiency was not always reflected in the box score, as the Sabres converted on 14.2% of their shots with Peterka on the ice, an unsustainable rate.
Following the acquisition of Peterka, the Mammoth promptly signed him to a five-year contract valued at $7.7 million annually. Considering his age and the projected growth of the salary cap, this contract should prove to be a reasonable investment. Peterka possesses immense offensive potential, and the Mammoth will have a potent weapon in their top-six forward group if he can refine his defensive play. Grade: B+
Buffalo Sabres
Personally, I am uncertain whether I would have considered moving Peterka, even if his contract demands were substantial. Acquiring and retaining that caliber of proven talent at such a young age is a difficult endeavor, and replacing Peterka within Buffalo’s top-six forward group will be a significant challenge. The Sabres may ultimately fare well in this exchange, but Kesselring’s success in his new role will be crucial.
Upon evaluating Kesselring, the Sabres’ interest in him becomes clear. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound defenseman exhibits impressive mobility and the ability to execute skillful plays with the puck. These qualities align with the characteristics NHL teams seek in top-four defensemen, which is precisely the role Kesselring will be expected to fulfill in Buffalo. Last season, Kesselring recorded an expected goals share of 54.1% at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick. He achieved this while allowing just 2.31 xGA/60.
Offensively, Kesselring registered seven goals and 22 assists, but his skating ability suggests he is capable of greater offensive output. With one year remaining on his contract at $1.4 million, Kesselring also represents a more cost-effective option than Peterka, despite being two years older.
Doan, the son of Arizona Coyotes legend Shane Doan, served in a bottom-six role for Utah last season, amassing 19 points in 51 games. While these numbers may not be overwhelming, Doan, at just 23 years old, has the potential to evolve into a reliable bottom-six player, providing the Sabres with valuable depth.
At first impression, this deal appears unfavorable for the Sabres due to the significant offensive talent they have relinquished. The potential of the underrated Kesselring, who Buffalo will heavily rely on should they trade defenseman Bowen Byram this summer, prevents the grade from being lower. Grade — C+
