UTAH PICKS UP PETERKA FROM BUFFALO
The Utah Mammoth acquired winger JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres for defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan.
What does it give the Utah Mammoth
In Peterka, the Mammoth are getting an exciting young scoring winger to add to their emerging group of talent. He play primarily left wing, which is also captain Clayton Keller's main position, but Peterka may be tried on the right side in Utah. Either way, his arrival strengthens the team's top-six forwards. Utah is probably not done making moves, since they also are in the market for a second-line center upgrade.
What does it give the Buffalo Sabres
For the Sabres, a team struggling to find an identity, this trade should help them. Peterka was not a happy camper and wanted out of Buffalo. Landing two players who may become stalwarts in Western New York is huge. Kesselring is a right-shooting defenseman who may make an impact. He vaults to the top of the depth chart and may play alongside captain Rasmus Dahlin. Doan is also a big part of the team's future.
Fantasy impact
This trade should help all three players involved from a fantasy standpoint. Peterka is moving to a more structured team in Utah, but he should get every opportunity to play a starring role (especially after signing a five-year contract extension with the Mammoth to go along with the deal). Kesselring is not a top offensive talent but he should be able to complement one of Buffalo's all-around blueliners (Dahlin or Owen Power) well. As for Doan, his playing time could see a big spike in Buffalo. Keep an eye on him.
