BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 21: JJ Peterka #77 of the Buffalo Sabres scores a goal against the Boston Bruins during the second period at TD Garden on December 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Following the conclusion of the 2025 NHL Draft and a productive period in free agency, it’s time for fans to begin familiarizing themselves with the Mammoth’s updated roster and learn what to expect from players like JJ Peterka when the second season begins in October.
Transitioning to their biggest trade acquisition of the summer, Peterka is the next player profile to help fans get to know the refreshed Utah roster.
JJ Peterka is a 23-year-old right wing from Munich, Germany.
Before his days in the NHL, Peterka made his professional debut with EHC Red Bull München of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).
In two seasons with München, Peterka registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 72 appearances.
The following year, Peterka was then selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round (34th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft.
After spending a season in the AHL with the Rochester Americans where he registered 68 points in 70 games, Peterka then officially made his NHL debut for the Sabres during the 2022-23 campaign.
In three seasons with Buffalo, the young forward registered 150 points in 238 games.
Just days before the 2025 NHL Draft, Utah took a Mammoth swing in the trade market as they acquired Peterka in exchange for Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring.
Trade call being arranged. This is happening. https://t.co/hKiECg6RJO
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 26, 2025
NHL insiders Frank Seravalli and Elliotte Friedman first reported the deal late on Wednesday, June 25.
“We are excited to welcome J.J. to Utah and know our fans are going to love what he brings,” Utah president of hockey operations Chris Armstrong said. “On the other side of this, it is never easy to say goodbye to players of the highest character like Michael and Josh – we are certainly grateful for their contributions to our organization and trust their careers will continue to flourish in Buffalo.”
After trading for Peterka, the promising forward signed a five-year, $38.5M extension with Utah.
“It shows how committed I am to Utah, how excited I am,” Peterka said regarding his extension.
“How much I believe in that group as they get going and what they’re building there…just super excited now to meet all the guys and get going.”
Speed, creativity and lots of offense.
JJ Peterka’s 27th of the year 🚨 pic.twitter.com/b9yG1Wx0zB
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 18, 2025
Over his first three seasons in the league with Buffalo, the young wing has quickly evolved into a dangerous offensive threat as he’s more than doubled his point production from his rookie campaign with an 18-point increase over each of the last two seasons (36 total).
So, where does he excel?
Off the rush and in close to the net.
Now, Peterka isn’t really a power forward per say, but he thrives in close as he often crashes the net and pounces on rebounds.
He’s also an absolute menace from the right faceoff circle as he positions himself to deliver well-placed laser beams off of one-timers.
As for his game off the rush, Peterka utilizes his speed, crafty handles and hockey IQ to create dangerous situations for himself and his teammates as they aim to strike quickly.
Tage Thompson, JJ Peterka, Tage Thompson
So much talent in this org and they just don’t put it together… pic.twitter.com/0s3gbFXj9V
— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) July 6, 2025
After acquiring Peterka from the Sabres, Utah cemented their intentions to make the playoffs this season as they added yet another young and promising forward to their top six.
Couple that with their work in free agency and the Mammoth appear poised to make the postseason in just their second year of existence.
“When you look at the roster, how many young players are there that are already so good,” Peterka said.
“I think timeline wise for me; it’s going to be a perfect fit. Growing together with those guys and hopefully winning a lot of games.”
