The NHL trade deadline is two days away, meaning we will see a good few trades in the time remaining until March 7. One team that is expected to be sellers at the deadline is the Buffalo Sabres. And while Buffalo centre Dylan Cozens has been a name discussed at length as a fit for many NHL squads, Sabres winger JJ Peterka has also been the subject of much trade chatter of late.
A young team looking to rebuild could definitely use the services of the 23-year-old, but Peterka could also be a valuable piece on a contending team looking to add secondary scoring and strength to their right wing. With that in mind, could the Toronto Maple Leafs be a good landing spot for the promising young forward?
Let’s talk about that.
Peterka’s trade buzz
To say the Sabres have had a disappointing season would be an understatement. the team is currently 24–29–6—good enough for last place in the Eastern Conference. Despite the team’s horrific record and destiny to miss the postseason for the 14th straight year–an unfortunate NHL all-time record–one bright spot on their roster has been their 2020 second-round pick, Peterka.
The German winger is in just his third season in the league and has been showing up to play. In 2023–24, Peterka had a nearly 30-goal season (28) along with 22 assists for 50 points. This season hasn’t been quite as good in the goals department, but Peterka does currently sit at 30 assists and 47 points, putting him on pace to beat his point total from last season.
With his impressive numbers and young age, it is no wonder that Peterka’s name has come up in trade talks. And despite the Sabres’ seeming reluctance to deal him, multiple NHL teams seek to bring in Peterka.
“Sources say any team calling Buffalo has been met with resistance on Peterka, but the volume of calls has increased, and the amount of chatter around the league is growing louder,” wrote Frank Seravalli of Daily Face-off. Despite Buffalo playing hardball with their peers, if the right deal comes their way, we doubt the rebuilding Sabres would turn down a deal that could help their prolonged rebuild.
Should the Leafs target Peterka?
What about the Leafs? Would it be a good idea for them to target Peterka as the deadline looms? In short, probably not. While the Leafs could use Peterka as a long-term part of their organization, he isn’t exactly what the Leafs need right now to strengthen their group.
As I said before, the Leafs’ two biggest needs ahead of the deadline are a third-line centre and another right-shot defenceman. While Peterka could be shifted into a centre role, he primarily plays on the right wing, the same spot where both Mitch Marner and William Nylander play. Mind you, Peterka could take over Nick Robertson’s spot on the third line, but that would mean fewer minutes than he’s been getting with Buffalo. Peterka is currently playing a career high 18:04 minutes of ice time per game, while Robertson is playing nearly a third less at just 12:07 per game. If we are to assume that Peterka wouldn’t be able to outshine Marner or Nylander this season, he will surely see a significant minutes decrease, potentially stalling his development.
Position and minutes aside, the Leafs likely won’t be willing to give up the pieces necessary to nab Peterka. Through what was written by Seravalli and others, the Sabres are being very picky about dealing Peterka. The Leafs would likely have to give up a significant prospect like Easton Cowan or Ben Danford on top of draft picks as well. And if that isn’t even enough, the Sabres may want a piece like 22-year-old winger Matthew Knies.
The only way I see a Peterka deal going down is if the Leafs can center a deal around Robertson. The 23-year-old has been in trade rumours for some time and many expect him to be moved at the deadline. If Toronto can somehow make a deal around him, Peterka would certainly be an upgrade at the position. However, we really don’t see that happening, so the Leafs are better off looking at other, more needed options.
