Bruins are taking an expensive gamble on JJ Peterka

The Boston Bruins did not trade two first-round picks for JJ Peterka to become another useful name in the lineup. They paid that price because they believe the 24-year-old can help drag their offense out of its dependence on David Pastrnak.

Peterka now has to prove them right.

Boston acquired him from the Utah Mammoth for the No. 23 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional first-rounder in 2028. That future selection originally came from Florida in the Brad Marchand trade, meaning the Bruins used the largest remaining piece of that deal to acquire Peterka.

No pressure there.

Boston Bruins paid for JJ Peterka’s ceiling

Peterka recorded 25 goals and 47 points in 82 games with Utah last season. Those are respectable numbers, although they hardly scream “two first-round picks.”

His previous season explains Boston’s thinking. Peterka produced 27 goals and 68 points during his final year with the Buffalo Sabres. His ice time and power-play role dipped after moving to Utah, leaving the Bruins to bet that the player from Buffalo is closer to his true level.

General manager Don Sweeney praised Peterka’s speed and called his shot elite. He also pointed to the forward’s ability to play either wing, drive his own line or skate beside one of Boston’s top players.

Peterka would certainly welcome the last option.

David Pastrnak finally needs help

Pastrnak recorded his fourth consecutive 100-point season in 2025-26. Boston still finished fourth in the Atlantic Division and lost to Buffalo in six games during the first round of the playoffs.

The Bruins were competitive, but the postseason exposed their offensive limitations. Pastrnak cannot be asked to create nearly everything while opponents spend an entire series designing ways to smother him.

Peterka gives Boston another player who can attack with speed and finish chances. If he earns a spot beside Pastrnak, opposing defenses will have a more difficult time loading up on one side of the ice.

There is also a scenario in which Peterka anchors the second line and spreads the scoring across the lineup. Boston needs that version just as badly.

JJ Peterka must rediscover his Buffalo form

The Bruins are paying Peterka $7.7 million annually for the next four seasons. His contract is reasonable for a legitimate top-line winger. It becomes far less appealing if he remains a 47-point complementary piece.

Peterka acknowledged he was unhappy with his performance in Utah. Boston offers him a fresh start under Marco Sturm, the NHL’s only German head coach, and a chance to reunite with assistant coach Matt McIlvane.

Familiarity should help. It cannot become an excuse.

The Bruins surrendered two opportunities to add inexpensive young talent because they wanted a proven player who could improve their offense immediately. Peterka is young enough to grow with Fraser Minten, James Hagens and the next version of Boston’s roster, but this was not a move made entirely for the future.

Boston expects to return to the playoffs and advance beyond the opening round. For that to happen, Peterka must look more like the 68-point scorer from Buffalo than the frustrated winger who disappeared during Utah’s postseason.

The Bruins paid for his ceiling. Now they need him to reach it.