JUST IN: Sabres GM Side Steps JJ Peterka Trade Question

With the NHL offseason heating up and trade rumors swirling, Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams found himself in the spotlight Thursday after deflecting a direct question about rising star JJ Peterka’s trade availability during a press conference at KeyBank Center.

Adams, addressing reporters following the NHL Draft and ahead of free agency, was asked whether the 23-year-old winger was part of the team’s long-term plans or potentially on the trading block. Peterka, who posted a career-high 27 goals and 55 points this past season, has become a key part of Buffalo’s young core — but his name has surfaced in recent trade chatter as the Sabres look to reshape their roster for a playoff push.

“We’re evaluating everything right now,” Adams responded when pressed. “JJ is a talented player who’s done a lot of good things for us, but I’m not going to get into individual discussions or speculation. We’re focused on building the best team possible.”

The GM’s carefully worded reply did little to quiet the buzz. Sources around the league suggest that several teams have expressed interest in Peterka, viewing him as a cost-effective, high-upside winger with two years remaining on his entry-level contract. With the Sabres missing the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season — the longest drought in NHL history — the front office is reportedly weighing all options to accelerate the team’s return to contention.

Peterka, a 2020 second-round pick from Germany, has steadily progressed since joining the Sabres full-time in the 2022-23 season. Known for his speed, offensive instincts, and work ethic, he’s become a fan favorite in Buffalo and a fixture in the team’s top six forward group.

Despite the ambiguity from Adams, analysts are divided on whether the Sabres would truly part with Peterka. NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently reported that Buffalo is exploring “creative ways” to land a top-pair defenseman or veteran center, and Peterka could be a key piece in such a deal. Others believe Adams’ reluctance to confirm or deny trade rumors may simply be a smokescreen as negotiations unfold behind the scenes.

For now, JJ Peterka remains a Sabre. But in a summer that promises major change in Buffalo, his future is anything but certain.