JUST IN: The in-state opponent of the Sabres is getting ready to submit an offer sheet for JJ Peterka. The New York Rangers may be getting ready to make an offer sheet to JJ Peterka, who…

In a bold and potentially controversial move, the New York Rangers are reportedly preparing to submit an offer sheet for Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka. Sources close to the situation suggest that the Rangers have been monitoring Peterka’s contract negotiations closely and are ready to pounce if the Sabres fail to lock up the young star soon.

Peterka, 23, is coming off a breakout season with Buffalo, posting 28 goals and 35 assists for a career-high 63 points in 82 games. Known for his dynamic speed, puck control, and ability to create offense from the wing, Peterka has quickly developed into one of the Sabres’ most promising young talents. As a restricted free agent (RFA) this summer, his contract status has become a hot topic among league executives.

The offer sheet mechanism, rarely used in the NHL due to its controversial nature and potential to damage relationships between general managers, allows a team to sign a restricted free agent from another club by offering a contract that the player’s current team has seven days to match. If the offer is not matched, the original team receives draft pick compensation based on the contract’s value.

The Rangers’ interest in Peterka comes amid their ongoing search for scoring depth on the wings and youth infusion in their top six. With aging veterans and cap pressures looming, acquiring a player like Peterka — who is just entering his prime — could be a savvy long-term move. But the potential offer sheet would come with risk and rivalry.

Buffalo and New York share not only state lines but also a competitive history. An offer sheet from the Rangers would be seen by many in Buffalo as an aggressive play to poach a cornerstone of their rebuild — and could ignite a new chapter in the intra-state rivalry.

For the Sabres, matching the offer sheet would be a financial decision — but also a statement about their commitment to retaining young talent. General Manager Kevyn Adams has expressed strong interest in keeping Peterka as part of the team’s core alongside Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Dylan Cozens.

Should the Rangers follow through and submit the offer, the Sabres will be under significant pressure to respond quickly. Losing Peterka without immediate on-ice compensation would be a major setback for a Buffalo team that’s been building steadily toward playoff contention.

At the moment, nothing is official. But league insiders suggest that the groundwork is being laid behind the scenes.

Stay tuned — the offseason drama may just be getting started.