Sabres' in-state rival prepared to make an offer sheet on JJ Peterka

The New York Rangers are pursuing JJ Peterka and could be preparing to extend an offer sheet to the Buffalo Sabres forward. After moving on from Jacob Trouba last season, on top of trading Kreider just a few days ago, the Rangers seem prepared to get younger and be competitive now, while being a contending team for many seasons to come, like they were the last few seasons.

The Rangers had also recently fired coach Peter Laviolette and replaced him with former Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. If the Rangers offer sheet Peterka, will the Sabres match it?

I think the Rangers extending an offer sheet is a smart idea, as it would force the Sabres to sign Peterka, and possibly overpay for him as well. However, the Sabres could get a very good haul for Peterka as well.

What the offer sheet would look like

If they send an offer sheet worth between seven million and nine million, the Rangers would be forced to give the Sabres their first, second, and third-round picks in 2026. If the Rangers go all in on Peterka and offer anywhere over 10 million, they would have to give at least three first-round picks in order not to get matched.

The Sabres have a lot of leverage when negotiating, and I think it depends on how high the Sabres are willing to match the offer sheet. Anything above nine million, I think the Sabres should consider their offer of picks they would get.

At that point, the Sabres can use their cap space to sign a player just as good as Peterka, and they could use the picks to make a trade for a big-name player as well.

Ultimately, the Sabres should re-sign Peterka before it gets anywhere near this point of an offer sheet. Peterka is important to the Sabres' future, and they should consider taking care of young star now, before they lose him in free agency.