While NHL teams are preparing for the start of free agency, the Buffalo Sabres are actively working the phones on a few key potential trades, according to The Fourth Period.
The expectation is that general manager Kevyn Adams will be busy this week, with forward JJ Peterka at the top of the trade block rumor mill. Despite his youth, potential, and the fact that he seemingly fits perfectly into Buffalo’s long-term plans, Peterka is also considered an ideal candidate for a change of scenery.
While the Sabres appear to have hesitancy toward trading Peterka, the list of teams interested in his services continues to grow. And as Peterka nears restricted free agency, the Sabres are now more open to listening to offers for the 23-year-old, amidst the belief that Peterka’s preference would be to move on. Peterka set career highs this past season with 68 points, finishing tied for second on the team with defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, just behind forward Tage Thompson. The 23-year-old has increased his point total by 18 points in each of the last two seasons, and his stock is rising as he looks for his first long-term deal.
Elsewhere with the Sabres:
- The league also appears to have significant interest in defender Bowen Byram, who originally joined the Sabres at the 2024 Trade Deadline in a one-for-one swap that sent center Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche. Byram was a staple in the Sabres’ top four during the 2024-25 season, playing all 82 games and averaging over 22 minutes per night. He also set career highs with 38 points and 116 blocked shots. While Byram has had some struggles in the defensive zone, his offensive upside and age make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their defensive core. Like Peterka, Byram is believed to be seeking a fresh start. Per The Fourth Period, the Sabres are not interested in moving either player for future assets and would prefer to receive NHL-ready talent in return.
- The Fourth Period also notes that the Sabres are actively shopping defender Mattias Samuelsson, who put up 14 points in 62 games. The 25-year-old was selected by the Sabres in the second round of the 2018 draft and has played 212 games for the team over the course of five seasons. The 6’4″, 220-pound lefty has brought a physical presence to the Sabres over that span, posting more than 100 hits in each of the last four seasons, despite never playing more than the 62 games he suited up for last year. Samuelsson is entering the third year of a seven-year deal that carries a $4.285MM AAV.
Samuelsson was one of those singled out as being completely uninterested in his team or teammates after the ugly incident where star forward Tage Thompson nearly had his head taken off on a dirty hit from New Jersey’s Stefan Noesen. Nobody came to Thompson’s defense, most notably the hulking Samuelsson.
Based on reports I’ve been seeing Tampa is apparently a front runner for J.J. Peterka. That would be a great pickup for Tampa without question (if it comes to fruition) as I assume Darren Raddysh & potentially Isaac Howard’s rights would be involved in the deal. Buffalo wants a RD in the transaction according to reports hence for Raddysh. Buffalo actually showed interest in Raddysh a year or two ago in another trade possibility between the 2 teams. I guess we’ll see where Peterka lands as things proceed with the Draft & FA approach in the coming days.
Willander for peterka- book it!
Flames should offer Rasmus Andersson and more for one of Peterka or Byram.
Extension needed. Other assets required.
I feel for Sabres fans. Ownership and management seem basically incompetent.
Adams gets blamed for the first rebuild and 9 seasons. After Adams 1st year as GM he had to start over. Adams only had a top heavy forward group and no goalies when he took over. He has done a better job building out the team and Buffalo has remained the youngest team in hockey the last 4 seasons. Buffalo’s roster has a lot of players 25 and under. Patience.
As frustrating as it is that my team hasn’t reached the playoffs in 14 years, I agree. If you can Adams, that means another GM will come in and rebuild again, extending the streak of not making the playoffs. I’ve always felt like teams pull the trigger too quickly with firing GMs; implementing a system takes time and developing NHL players takes time. The vast majority of rookies are not going to be immediate difference makers like Crosby or McDavid, so you don’t always have that one guy that you can just build around him and get deep into the playoffs right away.
Huh?
Sabres flipped Mitts for Byram. Adams wanted a very good nhl player back. He is a wanted player in the league. A asset to get back assets.
Peterka. A young forward like Quinn (who came back from a Achilles tear the previous year) who both got into Ruff’s doghouse for not being defensive responsible. Quinn played out of Ruff’s doghouse and scored just as many goals as Peterka in the 2nd half.
Peterka like Byram is a asset that can bring back other assets.
Ruff wants all players to play a 2 way game.
Buffalo needs to improve their goals differential.
Rasmus Dahlin was in his first year as team captain.
Buffalo got even younger last season.
Buffalo also finished 8 games over .500 after their winless streak ended.