Boston Bruins could target Sabres emerging star as potential offer sheet candidate

With offseason flexibility, the Boston Bruins might use cap space to pursue RFA winger JJ Peterka as a creative way to boost their scoring and rebuild the top-six forward core.

Bruins open to aggressive offseason strategy

This summer feels different for the Boston Bruins.

Not just because of the way last season ended, but because of the flexibility they finally have, cap space, options, and pressure to act.

And with July 1 looming, the front office might shift away from its typical script.

Rather than chasing aging unrestricted free agents, there’s growing chatter about a less traditional route: the offer sheet.

And if that’s the move, JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres fits the mold of a player worth targeting.

Peterka emerging as a top-tier young winger

There’s no denying Peterka’s upward trajectory.

The 23-year-old put together a breakout year, posting 27 goals and 41 assists, both career high, for a total of 68 points.

That followed a strong 28-goal campaign in 2022-23, which now looks less like a breakout and more like a baseline.

The winger has a fast, attacking game and a goal-scorer’s mindset.

He isn’t just padding stats, he’s making an impact every shift.

He’s also versatile, capable of playing both wings, which is something the Bruins could benefit from in multiple lineup combinations.

Why Boston and Peterka might be a perfect fit

Scoring depth was a glaring issue for the Bruins this past season.

With David Pastrnak carrying so much of the offensive load, the team often looked thin beyond the top line.

Peterka’s pace, finish, and creativity could give Boston exactly what it’s been missing.

He could slot in on the second line or potentially flank Pastrnak if the chemistry clicks.

On the power play, he’s already shown the ability to create off the half wall and drive to the net, areas where Boston needs more consistency and danger.

Buffalo’s cap situation could open the door

Buffalo isn’t short on young talent, but that comes with challenges.

Alongside Peterka, they need to re-sign Bowen Byram, Jack Quinn, Ryan McLeod, and Jacob Bernard-Docker, all of them pending RFAs.

That’s a lot of money to stretch, even for a team with room to work.

If Boston swoops in with a strong offer sheet, the Sabres may be forced to make a tough call.

Losing Peterka would sting, but they might not be able to match if they want to keep the rest of their core intact.

Trade talks aren’t off the table either 

It’s worth noting that Peterka was linked to trade rumors around the deadline.

That leaves a second option on the board: Boston could approach Buffalo directly about a deal.

It’d likely cost more in terms of assets, picks, prospects, or both, but it would bypass the offer sheet drama.

Either path leads to the same destination: a 23-year-old winger entering his prime who could help push the Bruins back into contention.