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New York Times
18 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Sabres couldn't make it work with JJ Peterka. Can they find a way to keep Bowen Byram?
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — When the Buffalo Sabres' season ended, general manager Kevyn Adams intended to sign 23-year-old forward JJ Peterka to a contract extension. The 2020 second-round pick had just produced a 68-point season in the final year of his entry-level contract. He was a restricted free agent without arbitration rights who was four years away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. There was no reason to think he wouldn't be part of the plan. Until Adams sat down to talk with Peterka and his agent, and it was clear he wasn't going to sign. Advertisement 'We had those discussions and it became apparent to me and our group that it wasn't going to work,' Adams said late Friday night after the first round of the NHL Draft. 'For me, the focus was if this isn't going to work, how do we make sure we're helping the Buffalo Sabres improve?' Adams thinks he did that by trading Peterka to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for 25-year-old right-handed defenseman Michael Kesselring and 23-year-old winger Josh Doan. Kesselring is a player that Adams views as a 'critical piece' given his ability to play a top-four role on defense. Doan, who had 19 points as an NHL rookie last season, is someone Adams thinks can impact the lineup with his competitive, two-way game. He also sees offensive upside. But this trade was about making the best of a less-than-ideal situation. Another player wanted out of Buffalo. This one was only 23 years old and had only been in Buffalo for three seasons. This was a problem Adams dealt with early on in his tenure with the Sabres when the rebuild was at the ground floor. It's not a problem he was supposed to be dealing with entering his sixth season as general manager. 'You get to the end of the season, you take all the information in, it's fine,' Adams said of the Peterka situation. 'It's what's best for the Buffalo Sabres, and the trade was what was best.' Time will tell. While it's tough to blame a player for questioning the direction of a franchise with the longest playoff drought in the history of the NHL, Peterka didn't seem all that willing to find a solution in Buffalo. He admitted at the end of the season that his body language wasn't the best during his 68-point season. And he was never as committed to the defensive side of the game as he was to scoring. So it's certainly possible a trade like this one can be what's best for the Buffalo Sabres in the long run. But in order for that to be true, Adams needs to complete the work of building this team. Kesselring, a physical and mobile right-handed defenseman, and Doan, an elite forechecker with a solid defensive foundation to his game, are two important players when it comes to rounding out Buffalo's lineup. When the two spoke to reporters less than 24 hours after the trade, they talked about wanting to be part of the solution with the Sabres. Lindy Ruff's stated goal toward the end of the season was improving the Sabres' culture, and this trade has a chance to accomplish that. 'Both of these guys, they want to be here,' Adams said. 'They're excited. They want to be part of the solution.' But Adams also removed 27 goals from the Sabres' lineup with this trade. That's something he and his staff have talked about. Some of that, he thinks, can be replaced by internal growth from players like Zach Benson and Jack Quinn, who signed a two-year contract with a $3.375 million average annual value on Friday. Adams, though, is more concerned with the team improving defensively and becoming harder to play against. That's what he's focused on heading into Day 2 of the draft and the start of free agency on Monday. Advertisement Then there's the issue of defenseman Bowen Byram. The restricted free agent has been at the center of trade rumors for much of the offseason. He's due for a hefty raise, and the Sabres have already committed early $20 million in annual cap hits to Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, two left-shot defensemen who block Byram from getting power-play time. The Athletic's Chris Johnston reported that as many as eight teams have inquired about Byram recently. Adams didn't quiet any of that trade talk on Friday night. 'For me, Bo is an elite defenseman in the league right now,' Adams said. 'I am definitely open. Kind of like the situation with JJ, if it's the right trade that we think helps our team, we'll be open to that. In saying that, I love Bo Byram as a player and a person and would be more than fine with him as part of our D-core. Right now, the way our D-core looks with Bo in there is very, very good. If it's the right thing and the right trade comes across, we'll definitely be open to it, but it's not something I'm going to force.' No such deal materialized during the first round of the NHL Draft. And neither did any trade involving Buffalo's No. 9 pick. That's why the Sabres stayed put and added Radim Mrtka, a 6-foot-6 right-handed defenseman, to their prospect pool. Mrtka is an impressive player and person with an engaging personality. Adams views him as a potential top-four defenseman down the road, and it's easy to see why. Welcome to Buffalo, Radim! ⚔️ We have selected Radim Mrtka with the 9th overall pick of the 2025 #NHLDraft! Details → | @SenecaBuffalo — Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 28, 2025 This week and next aren't as much about Buffalo's long-term future as they are about the 2025-26 season, though. Because if Adams doesn't make the necessary moves to get the Sabres back to the playoffs, he won't be running this team by the time any of these draft picks make the NHL. 'There's a long offseason ahead of us, and there's still moves that could potentially be made,' Adams said. (Top photo of Michael Kesselring: Steven Bisig / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sabres newcomers Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring eager to end Sabres' 14-season playoff drought
FILE - Utah Hockey Club defenseman Michael Kesselring (7) skates the puck around the defense of Winnipeg Jets center Morgan Barron (36) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, April 5, 2025, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate, File) FILE - Utah Hockey Club right wing Josh Doan (91) carries the puck away from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson (43) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, March 12, 2025, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Alex Goodlett, File) FILE - Utah Hockey Club right wing Josh Doan (91) carries the puck away from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson (43) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, March 12, 2025, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Alex Goodlett, File) FILE - Utah Hockey Club defenseman Michael Kesselring (7) skates the puck around the defense of Winnipeg Jets center Morgan Barron (36) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, April 5, 2025, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate, File) FILE - Utah Hockey Club right wing Josh Doan (91) carries the puck away from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson (43) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, March 12, 2025, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Alex Goodlett, File) BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Forward Josh Doan and defenseman Michael Kesselring are fully aware of the Buffalo Sabres' past struggles, and eager to play roles in transforming the team into a winner. 'As a duo, we have to kind of wear it as a badge of honor, that they wanted to bring us in to help this group win,' Doan said during a Zoom call on Thursday, less than 24 hours after he and Kesselring were acquired by Buffalo in a trade with the Utah Mammoth. Advertisement 'I think this group is going in the right direction, and they have the right guys to go in that direction,' the 23-year-old added. 'It might be one or two pieces or a couple of more to fix that. And that's what they're trying to do.' If anything, their desire to be part of a winner is fueled further by having yet to make the playoffs after opening their careers in Arizona and then falling short in Utah's first season last year. 'It's never fun bouncing around, leaving friends, leaving teammates,' said the 25-year-old Kesselring, who has gone from being traded in March 2023 by Edmonton to Arizona and then making the move to Utah as a new NHL franchise last summer. 'It makes it even more of a reason I want to succeed here,' he added. 'You want to be one of those guys that's part of the solution.' Advertisement The two newcomers — and roommates last season — represent the latest roster makeover for a Sabres team in the midst of an NHL-record 14-season playoff drought. They were acquired in a trade that sent promising forward and two-time 25-goal-scorer JJ Peterka to Utah. 'We needed some scoring and we felt that could be answered with JJ who's not only a goal-scorer but somebody in the same age range as most of the players on our team," Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong said of the 23-year-old Peterka, who was signed to a five-year $38.5 million contract. What Doan and Kesselring lack in offense in having scored 12 career goals each over a combined 218 NHL career games, they make up in bringing a physical style of play to a Sabres team that's been knocked for being soft. In February, Buffalo players faced criticism for failing to step up when Tage Thompson lay hurt on the ice after being bowled over by New Jersey's Stefan Noesen in what was deemed an illegal hit. The Sabres held a team meeting afterward to specifically address their lack of response. Advertisement At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Doan has developed a reputation for being a solid forechecking player, who doesn't shy away from hitting. 'It's the most fun way to play hockey being a little bit of a pest on the ice,' said Doan, the son of longtime Arizona Coyotes star Shane Doan. Kesselring is listed at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, and noted for his rugged style and hard shot. 'I'm not the biggest fan of fighting, but I like to think I'm a good teammate. And when it has to happen, it has to happen,' he said. Doan will likely fill a third-line role. Kesselring has the opportunity to use his defensive ability to complement the more offensively oriented Owen Power. Advertisement Both are familiar with Thompson after playing with him at the world championships in May in helping the U.S. win its first tournament title since 1993. 'That just fueled the fire to play in big games like that,' Kesselring said of competing at the worlds in Sweden. 'It really helped me mature as a player and it helped me realize what it takes to win at this high level.' Kesselring also played with Sabres forward Jason Zucker in Arizona, and was a college teammate of Buffalo goalie Devon Levi at Northeastern. 'I know a lot of guys in that room and I think there's a lot of talent here,' Kesselring said. 'And there's no reason we can't turn it around pretty quick.' ___ AP NHL:
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Sabres newcomers Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring eager to end Sabres' 14-season playoff drought
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Forward Josh Doan and defenseman Michael Kesselring are fully aware of the Buffalo Sabres' past struggles, and eager to play roles in transforming the team into a winner. 'As a duo, we have to kind of wear it as a badge of honor, that they wanted to bring us in to help this group win,' Doan said during a Zoom call on Thursday, less than 24 hours after he and Kesselring were acquired by Buffalo in a trade with the Utah Mammoth. 'I think this group is going in the right direction, and they have the right guys to go in that direction,' the 23-year-old added. 'It might be one or two pieces or a couple of more to fix that. And that's what they're trying to do.' If anything, their desire to be part of a winner is fueled further by having yet to make the playoffs after opening their careers in Arizona and then falling short in Utah's first season last year. 'It's never fun bouncing around, leaving friends, leaving teammates,' said the 25-year-old Kesselring, who has gone from being traded in March 2023 by Edmonton to Arizona and then making the move to Utah as a new NHL franchise last summer. 'It makes it even more of a reason I want to succeed here,' he added. 'You want to be one of those guys that's part of the solution.' The two newcomers — and roommates last season — represent the latest roster makeover for a Sabres team in the midst of an NHL-record 14-season playoff drought. They were acquired in a trade that sent promising forward and two-time 25-goal-scorer JJ Peterka to Utah. 'We needed some scoring and we felt that could be answered with JJ who's not only a goal-scorer but somebody in the same age range as most of the players on our team,' Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong said of the 23-year-old Peterka, who was signed to a five-year $38.5 million contract. What Doan and Kesselring lack in offense in having scored 12 career goals each over a combined 218 NHL career games, they make up in bringing a physical style of play to a Sabres team that's been knocked for being soft. In February, Buffalo players faced criticism for failing to step up when Tage Thompson lay hurt on the ice after being bowled over by New Jersey's Stefan Noesen in what was deemed an illegal hit. The Sabres held a team meeting afterward to specifically address their lack of response. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Doan has developed a reputation for being a solid forechecking player, who doesn't shy away from hitting. 'It's the most fun way to play hockey being a little bit of a pest on the ice,' said Doan, the son of longtime Arizona Coyotes star Shane Doan. Kesselring is listed at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, and noted for his rugged style and hard shot. 'I'm not the biggest fan of fighting, but I like to think I'm a good teammate. And when it has to happen, it has to happen,' he said. Doan will likely fill a third-line role. Kesselring has the opportunity to use his defensive ability to complement the more offensively oriented Owen Power. Both are familiar with Thompson after playing with him at the world championships in May in helping the U.S. win its first tournament title since 1993. 'That just fueled the fire to play in big games like that,' Kesselring said of competing at the worlds in Sweden. 'It really helped me mature as a player and it helped me realize what it takes to win at this high level.' Kesselring also played with Sabres forward Jason Zucker in Arizona, and was a college teammate of Buffalo goalie Devon Levi at Northeastern. 'I know a lot of guys in that room and I think there's a lot of talent here,' Kesselring said. 'And there's no reason we can't turn it around pretty quick.' ___ AP NHL:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sabres Sending JJ Peterka to Utah Mammoth
Utah Mammoth are landing a big fish in Sabres' JJ Peterka Image The NHL's newest franchise just made a major splash. In a bold move ahead of their inaugural season, the Utah Mammoth acquiring forward JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Michael Kesselring, Josh Doan and another unnamed player. Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) on X Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) on X Hearing the JJ Peterka deal to Utah is for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan. Three players, no picks. Advertisement The 22-year-old German winger brings offensive flair, speed, and a promising upside to Utah's growing roster. The deal is still pending but it signals that the Mammoth aren't just looking to build slowly, they want to compete right away. Peterka is coming off a solid season in Buffalo, where he tallied 27 goals and 68 points in 77 games. A dynamic skater with a nose for the net, he's expected to slot into Utah's top six immediately and potentially headline their power play. The return going back to Buffalo has not yet been made public, but insiders suggest it includes future draft capital and a high-upside prospect. For Utah, this is a statement deal, a sign they're serious about creating excitement in Salt Lake City from Day 1.
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Buffalo Sabres trade Peterka to Utah Mammoth for Kesselring and Doan
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres' long-anticipated offseason retooling began late Wednesday night with the team agreeing to trade forward JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for forward Josh Doan and defenseman Michael Kesselring. Both teams announced the deal with Utah revealing it signed Peterka to a five-year contract worth $38.5 million . Peterka completed his rookie contract this season, and was eligible to become a restricted free agent next week. 'There is a lot of excitement and positive momentum surrounding our team right now, and adding a player of J.J. Peterka's caliber and offensive upside is another great step towards achieving our objectives as a group,' Mammoth president of hockey operations Chris Armstrong said. This is a major swap of young players all within their first three full seasons of NHL experience. The 23-year-old Peterka is coming off consecutive 25-plus goal seasons, including 27 this year with a career-best 68 points in 77 games. Doan, a 23-year-old winger, is the son of longtime Arizona Coyotes star Shane Doan, and his departure is the organization's latest move that separates this Salt Lake City chapter from the past. He had seven goals and 19 points last season as a rookie. Kesselring, a 25-year-old defenseman, played alongside Doan for the U.S. when it won the world championships in May for the first time since 1933. He completed his second full NHL season with seven goals and 29 points — both career highs. 'One of our priorities as we work through this offseason is making our team more competitive and tougher to play against,' Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said . 'The additions of Michael and Josh will help us tremendously in both of those categories.' Kesserling is listed at 6-foot-5, with Doan listed at 6-2. The Sabres were expected to shake up their roster after a disappointing finish in Lindy Ruff's first season and second stint as coach. Buffalo finished 14th in the Eastern Conference standings and extended its NHL-record playoff drought to a 14th season. The Mammoth, meantime, acquire a promising offensive star while keeping their No. 4 pick in the NHL draft Friday night. Utah made a late-season playoff push before falling short in finishing 11th in the Western Conference. 'J.J. is a highly skilled, creative, young forward with extremely high upside,' Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong said. 'He will help solidify our scoring and add to what is already a great young core of forwards on the roster.' Peterka is from Germany and was selected in the second round of the 2020 draft, and made his Sabres debut in in 2021-22. In 2023-24, He scored a career-best 28 goals. Overall, he has 67 goals and 150 points in 238 games. Despite his developing skills, Peterka became the subject of trade talk for much of the past month. On Tuesday, Adams declined to address the rumors, and whether Peterka had requested a trade, by saying it wasn't the right time to get into that, and wouldn't be fair to the player. He then hinted of a potential trade by adding: 'I can probably, after the draft and when we have other conversations, get into more specifics on things.' Adams is on the hotseat entering his sixth season, and is expected to make more moves, with defenseman Bowen Byram a potential trade candidate. ___ AP NHL:
