Heading into the 2020 NHL Draft, John-Jason Peterka was projected by many to be a first round selection towards the later portion of the round. However, his name went uncalled on Tuesday night as he ended up falling into the second round on Wednesday.
However, he did not have to wait too long to hear his name in Round 2 when the Buffalo Sabres moved up from the 38th overall pick to pick No. 34 to select the German-born left winger.
"When the picks dropped down yesterday, it was kind of sad not getting picked," Peterka said shortly after being selected by the Sabres on Wednesday. "I was just so excited for the draft today, and I'm really happy now to be a part of the Buffalo Sabres."
Despite not being taken until the second round of the draft on Wednesday, Peterka felt honored that the Sabres had decided to move up and get their desired guy as early as they did.
"I would say it's a pretty good feeling that they show you that they trust in you and they really want you," Peterka said.
The 18-year-old left winger spent the entire 2019-20 season playing in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga with EHC München, which is the top professional league of hockey in Germany. As just a teenager playing with and against grown men, some of whom are former NHL players, Peterka was able to score four goals and added seven assists for 11 points in 42 games.
Growing up and developing his game in the DEL was certainly a learning experience for Peterka, but one that he will certainly cherish.
"I think for my first pro season, I got a lot of experience, especially in the defensive zone, battles and playing against all the men. I think I learned a lot in that season," Peterka said.
Peterka may not stand as tall as some others at 5-foot-11, but he certainly showed that he can take the physicality of playing in the pros with his solid 192-pound frame. The native of Munich, Germany is a player that has plenty of good speed and power to his game, and he never takes a shift off with his relentless play. He strong on his feet, in the dirty areas of the ice, and he's not afraid to get to the net with and without the puck. Peterka also feels that he has more to bring than just his aggressive style of play.
"I think I'm a creative offensive player, who likes to make plays and also score goals. Kind of both a play-maker and goal scorer," Peterka said.
Peterka also stood out this past winter at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship when he represented Germany. The youngster managed to score four goals and register six total points in seven games as he helped the Germans advance to the 2021 tournament set to take place in Edmonton, Alberta.
It was quite a unique year for German-born players as three players went in the top-34 picks of the 2020 NHL Draft. Peterka went to the Sabres in the second round, while Lukas Reichel went 17th overall to the Chicago Blackhawks and Tim Stützle went third overall to the Ottawa Senators.
To see that many German-born players, also his linemates at the World Juniors, being selected so high in the draft brought joy to Peterka as he believes that Germany is on the rise in the hockey world.
"With this draft class with the three Germans now, I think German hockey is getting better, and I'm really happy for me and my other two [countrymen] that were drafted too," Peterka said.
While it may be a while before we see Peterka at the NHL level with the Sabres, he has one goal in mind that should make most Sabres fan happy with the selection.
"My goal is, for sure, to play as soon as possible in the NHL and help the Buffalo Sabres win a Stanley Cup."
You can listen to Peterka's entire conference call below:
