The Buffalo Sabres must be ecstatic with their past pick.
The NHL Entry Draft can be tricky. While evaluating talent for the top picks in the draft is easier, it can become far more complicated once you get past the first round or sometimes even earlier. While this is the case, gems can still be found after the first round. The Buffalo Sabres know this incredibly well.
During the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, the Sabres selected JJ Peterka with the 34th overall pick. Since then, it has been a decision that they must be ecstatic about, as the 6-foot forward has emerged as one of their best players.
Peterka showed in 2023-24 that he has the potential to become a star goal-scorer in this league. After recording 12 goals and 32 points in 77 games as a rookie in 2022-23, he broke out in a big way for the Sabres last season. In 82 games for the Sabres last campaign, he set new career highs with 28 goals, 22 assists, and 50 points.
JJ Peterka
Seeing Peterka almost hit the 30-goal mark in just his second full season is immensely encouraging. He is becoming a very good player, and he should only continue to improve as he gains more experience. When noting that he is only 22 years old, he still has plenty of time left to hit his ceiling.
Peterka is expected to slot into the Sabres' top six next season, as he is easily one of their best wingers. It will be interesting to see what kind of season the gem puts together for Buffalo from here.
