BREAKING NEWS: Jason Botterill, the previous manager of the Buffalo Sabres, sent head coach Lindy Ruff a warning message earlier today regarding JJ Peterka after he impressed with his speed, playmaking talents, and scoring prowess. He was obviously sulking about…

In a surprising twist that’s sending ripples through the hockey world, former Buffalo Sabres general manager Jason Botterill reportedly sent a pointed message to current head coach Lindy Ruff earlier today, expressing serious concerns about the handling of rising star JJ Peterka.

Peterka, the 23-year-old winger, has been turning heads with his blazing speed, deft playmaking, and scoring ability in recent games, earning praise from fans and analysts alike. However, Botterill — who was instrumental in drafting Peterka during his tenure with the Sabres — appears to be watching closely from the sidelines and didn’t hold back in his critique.

According to sources close to the situation, Botterill’s message was less congratulatory and more cautionary. The core of his warning? Don’t squander the young forward’s potential.

“He was obviously sulking about how the organization is using Peterka,” an insider shared. “Jason invested a lot in that pick. He believes JJ can be a franchise cornerstone if nurtured correctly — not shuffled around the lineup or underutilized.”

Botterill’s comments come amid growing debate about Ruff’s coaching decisions this season. While the Sabres have shown flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and lineup shuffles have left some questioning the long-term development strategy for younger players like Peterka.

Peterka, for his part, has let his play do the talking. With his recent breakout performances — including a multi-point game and a stunning coast-to-coast goal — he’s made a compelling case for a permanent top-six role and more power play time.

The tension between former management and current leadership is unusual but not unheard of in the NHL, particularly when young talent is involved. Botterill, now an assistant GM with the Seattle Kraken, clearly still has an emotional stake in the Sabres and in the trajectory of the players he helped bring in.

Whether Ruff will take Botterill’s advice to heart remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: JJ Peterka has become a central figure in both Buffalo’s on-ice future and off-ice power dynamics.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Ruff utilizes Peterka — and whether the Sabres risk alienating a potential star by mishandling his development.