J.J. Peterka joins Utah Mammoth in blockbuster trade with Sabres, inks $38.5 mn extension
The Utah Mammoth made a major offseason splash by acquiring forward J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres. The 23-year-old signed a five-year, $38.5 million extension right after the trade. Utah sent Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring the other way in a move that boosts their offensive firepower for the future.
The Utah Mammoth have officially acquired J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres, sending forward Josh Doan and defenceman Michael Kesselring in return. Shortly after landing in Utah, Peterka signed a five-year contract worth $38.5 million, with an average annual value of $7.7 million. The deal solidifies Peterka¡¯s standing as a key part of Utah's core moving forward.
¡°There¡¯s a lot of excitement around our team right now,¡± said Mammoth president Chris Armstrong. ¡°Bringing in a player with Peterka¡¯s offensive ability is another step towards our goals.¡±
The move also marks a new chapter for the hockey club franchise, which has been reshaping their roster since their relocation from the Arizona Coyotes to the Utah Mammoth.
What J.J. Peterka brings to the Mammoth
Still only 23, J.J. Peterka is coming off a strong season with 27 goals and 68 points in 77 games. He led the Sabres in several offensive categories and now joins an already talented group of young forwards in Utah. Over his NHL career, Peterka has posted 150 points in 238 games.
UTAH LANDS PETERKA??
¡ª NHL (@NHL) June 26, 2025
JJ Peterka is heading to the @utahmammoth along with a five-year extension! ?? pic.twitter.com/wn6VT8hycX
His power-play production also stood out, and his playmaking vision makes him a constant threat on the ice. Utah GM Bill Armstrong called him ¡°a creative, skilled forward with big upside¡± and said the long-term extension reflects their belief in his future.
J.J. Peterka also brings valuable international experience, having played a key role in Germany¡¯s silver medal run at the 2023 World Championship and representing his country in several other editions of the tournament.
Who Utah gave up in return
Buffalo received forward Josh Doan and defenceman Michael Kesselring in the trade. Doan, son of Coyotes legend Shane Doan, recorded 19 points in 51 games last season. Kesselring, a 6-foot-5 blueliner, had a breakout year with 29 points and 89 penalty minutes in 82 games.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said the two new additions will help make Buffalo ¡°more competitive and tougher to play against¡± as they look to break their long playoff drought. With the trade complete and Peterka under contract, Utah now turns its attention to the NHL Draft, where they hold the fourth overall pick.