Should the Chicago Blackhawks Trade for JJ Peterka? A Closer Look

At 23 years old, weighing 189 lbs and standing six feet tall, JJ Peterka is a sizable forward who just finished a consecutive 50-plus point season. He scored 27 goals and totaled 68 points during a rather disappointing season for the Buffalo Sabres. Peterka is an excellent top-line offensive winger. 

For Buffalo, things are dire. The Sabres are making front office changes by adding experienced staff members, but do they want to disrupt a roster that's still loaded with talent? Peterka, about to become a restricted free agent, has an asking price of around $7 million for seven years. With a rising salary cap, that's a steal, and one the Blackhawks can easily absorb. Peterka is also an excellent candidate for an offer sheet. So, it makes sense for Buffalo to either get something in return now or pay Peterka what he wants. 

But does Peterka want to stay in Buffalo? And, more pointedly, do the Blackhawks have anything they could offer to Buffalo?

Peterka isn't happy with the Sabres' current situation, as reported by Frank Seravalli. While Buffalo might want to hold onto their star winger, it might be best for everyone if he gets moved. 

While I don't foresee Kyle Davidson moving on from any of his forward prospects, he could use some of that draft capital as well as one of his prospect defensemen. I do think this might make sense if the deal includes one first-round pick and two prospects, maybe one if that's Kevin Korchinski. 

I'm not sure who the other prospect could be. Moving Lukas Reichel in a trade like this doesn't make sense, as his value has plummeted. And the first-round pick that could be included (the 25th overall) might be better used in a bigger trade, if the rumors surrounding moving up in the draft are true. 

Peterka would have an immediate impact on the Blackhawks' offense, and he would be an actual first-line talent on Connor Bedard's wing. Is this a trade that Kyle Davidson could make happen? Or is there something else out there?