The New Jersey Devils are trying to make all the right moves to turn this team from a playoff contender to a true Stanley Cup contender. After a year when they returned to the playoffs but didn't stand much of a chance to advance, it's time to put the pieces together for an actual run.
This year, there are some intriguing players available on the trade market. They are young players who might be game changers in the right situation, but their current team seems worried about paying them their going rate. The three best examples of this are Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, and JJ Peterka, formerly of the Buffalo Sabres. Those three players who would be perfect in the Devils' lineup next to Jack Hughes, a spot that has only been filled correctly by Jesper Bratt. The Devils have had immense trouble finding the right line for their American star.
Peterka would have fit like a glove. His transition game is one of the best in the league, and his defensive deficiencies would have been fixed simply by playing in Sheldon Keefe's system. This was exactly what the Devils needed on their roster.
Unfortunately, it's no longer an option. As first reported by Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, Peterka is heading to the Utah Mammoth, a move expected to be one of a flurry of trades and signings to make Utah a prominent NHL franchise. If the reports are true, this appears to be a fleecing that will keep Devils fans up at night.
Hearing the JJ Peterka deal to Utah is for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 26, 2025
Three players, no picks.
JJ Peterka is an opportunity lost for the New Jersey Devils
That isn't exactly a lot to give up for the Mammoth. Michael Kesselring is a good player, but he's essentially a middle-class Johnathan Kovacevic. Josh Doan is a decent prospect, but he's not a game-changer as currently constructed. He has a chance to grow into that, but he's not a top 100 prospect in the NHL.
The Sabres definitely didn't cook with this deal, but maybe they understand more than we know at this point. We haven't seen the extension, which admittedly, would have been hard for the Devils to overcome. However, with the right connections, the Devils could have made it work.
Peterka is a huge loss for Tom Fitzgerald and the Devils. The real game changers are dwindling on the markets. Fitzgerald has limited opportunity to make real progress with this roster, and with the NHL Draft coming up in less than 48 hours, the moves might come fast and furious.