Why the Winnipeg Jets should target the Sabres’ JJ Peterka this offseason

Comply with us on our Jets Nation socials! X/Twitter: @NHLJetsNation and on Instagram: @JetsNationDotCa

The Winnipeg Jets are heading into this offseason with lots of questions on their ahead group, particularly with Nikolaj Ehlers’ contract state of affairs nonetheless up within the air. So… what if Ehlers doesn’t keep? What’s the subsequent transfer?

Based on Day by day Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, one identify to control is Buffalo Sabres left winger JJ Peterka — who simply so occurs to be the highest identify on his listing of offseason commerce targets.

“There could also be no higher participant obtainable, interval, on the commerce market this summer time – not to mention one among Peterka’s age at 23, already a top-line producer… Buffalo could have much less selection now with a possible provide sheet ready on the opposite finish of July 1,” stated Seravalli.

Peterka is coming off an enormous season — 27 targets, 41 assists for 68 factors in 77 video games. That’s on a Sabres crew that missed the playoffs for the 14th straight yr. The child is aware of how you can rating. He’s obtained a lethal launch, loves the massive moments, and isn’t afraid to enter the corners to get the puck. He does have to bulk up a bit and work on his playmaking, however the uncooked expertise is already there.

So what would Peterka deliver to the Jets?

He’d be a significant increase at 5-on-5 and will grow to be an actual weapon on the ability play. Slot him subsequent to a man like Kyle Connor or Cole Perfetti, and he’s going to seek out house to unleash that shot. At simply 23 years previous, producing the best way he’s on a struggling Sabres crew — that’s the sort of upside any crew would bounce at.

And whereas Buffalo’s entrance workplace has publicly stated they’re not seeking to transfer him, the sensation across the league is {that a} commerce may be inevitable except contract talks take a critical flip.

After all, this all hinges on what the Jets need to do with their very own younger expertise. Nikita Chibrikov may very well be prepared for full-time NHL motion subsequent season. If that’s the case, issues might get crowded up entrance — except the Jets decide to maintain him down with the Moose somewhat longer.

But when Ehlers is out, Peterka is totally a reputation that must be on Chevy’s radar. He’s younger, expert, and already making an affect — and he checks lots of bins for what the Jets want of their high six.

PRESENTED BY PRAIRIE TOYOTA DEALERS 

Source link