Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams has had two months since locker clean-out day to talk to winger JJ Peterka, and convince him that Buffalo is the team for him.
According to Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, that hasn't gone so well yet.
In his "32 Thoughts" podcast, Friedman says the Sabres don’t want to trade Peterka, but now are, at least, willing to listen to interested teams. Friedman adds Peterka hasn’t softened his stance.
"It’s the reality of the situation," said Friedman. "People know Peterka is unhappy, and it’s believed he would like to go somewhere else. And I just think that reality is sinking in a bit."
Peterka is a restricted free agent this summer, and is slated to get a new contract.
Shortly after the regular season ended back in mid-April, Peterka was asked about what Adams said to him before leaving town for the offseason.
"He [talked about] buying in on the plan all together," said Peterka during his end-of-season press conference. "When you look at the on-ice play, I think we were so disconnected at the start compared to the end, and playing more as a group and playing for each other."
In his last two seasons in Buffalo, Peterka scored a combined 55 goals. However, if you look at his analytics, his defensive play is not good at all. I think his defensive play improved a little, but it still isn’t where it needs to be.
Lindy Ruff’s team in Buffalo was 29th in the NHL this season in goals against, and that isn’t going to get them into the playoffs. If Buffalo wants to be a playoff team, that has to change a lot.
When Ruff came back to Buffalo as the head coach, he said playing well defensively was non-negotiable. But it hasn’t worked out that way, and Ruff brought up Peterka’s poor defensive play more than once this past season.
It’s hard to say why after just three full seasons in Buffalo, Peterka would want out at the age of 23. Is it losing?
In the winger’s three seasons, the Sabres have a points percentage of .516, which is 26th in the NHL. They are also ninth in goal scoring, averaging 3.26 goals per-game. The New York Rangers, a team that was reported to be interested in Peterka, are sixth in scoring, and have just four more goals than Buffalo.
If it’s not the losing, is it Ruff? Is it Adams? Is it Terry Pegula?
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When listening back to Peterka speaking to the media in his end-of-season press conference, I thought he seemed to have a pretty good attitude. He wasn’t moping around and seemed OK.
The first thing I asked him was where did he see growth in his game?
"I think in all aspects, gaining more experience through the whole season and trusting my game more-and-more," Peterka said.
As far as playing for a coach like Ruff, Peterka was excited about the opportunity.
"When you look at his history and what he’s done in that league, and the way he wanted us to play was just compete. And I think that’s a thing we learned pretty late in the season when we actually started playing really good hockey, and when everybody is buying in on the compete part. We can be a much better hockey team," Peterka noted.
Each player spoke with Ruff and Adams separately before they went home. Peterka says both expressed where they’d like to see him improve.
"Being a more impactful player," he said. "I hold myself really accountable, and I want to make a difference out there. That’s going to be a main focus this offseason, and to improve my overall game."
Monday saw Peterka being left out as one of Germany’s first six players to be named for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Despite that, he definitely will be on the team.
Peterka’s 27 goals was second among German-born players, only behind Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. His 68 points only trailed Draisaitl and Ottawa Senators winger Tim Stutzle.
Only six German skaters played in the NHL this season. Despite all that, Peterka is really looking forward to playing this upcoming February in Italy.
"Olympics are really exciting. I’m really pumped to play there, and it’s going to be the first time that Germany has all the guys that are playing overseas playing together. I’m really looking forward for that," Peterka said.
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In his first season, Peterka looked like he was having a blast on the ice, but that has changed. He rarely smiles, even after he scores, and while he will always talk before or after games, he always had a scowl on his face this season. He says it’s something he wants to work on.
"I get frustrated, I totally agree on that," he acknowledged. "Just trying to have my body language be better, be more positive.
"I wouldn’t say it creeps into my game, but I think it’s just not a good look. I need to be more positive about the shifts."
So does he want to leave because of that frustration he just spoke about?
To me, there was nothing from his end-of-season interview that would indicate whatsoever he would want to leave Buffalo.
The only thing that could’ve changed since locker room clean-out is the contract negotiations. Were Peterka and his agent, Allan Walsh, upset with an offer? Is it possible they’re at an impasse?
It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out for Peterka, as well as defenseman Bo Byram and winger Alex Tuch, who Adams has called a priority.
I would agree with Adams with trying to get Tuch re-signed. He is a player they can’t afford to lose.