The Utah Mammoth knew they needed to address adding more offense this offseason. One of the best moves they made to address this issue was trading Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan to the Buffalo Sabres for JJ Peterka.
Peterka registered 27 goals and 41 assists for 68 points in 77 games last season. He is expected to start the season on the second line with Barrett Hayton and Nick Schmaltz. Peterka will get plenty of playing time on the top power-play unit. Imagine a Mammoth power-play unit that consists of Peterka, Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and Mikhail Sergachev. The combination of playmaking ability, goal-scoring talent, and a wicked shot from the point (Sergachev) makes this a power-play not to be messed with.
I believe that Peterka’s skill set will be complemented by Cooley and Keller’s elite vision, the scoring touch of Guenther, and Sergachev’s offensive capabilities from the point. Peterka will find himself with increased power-play point totals. Whether it’s as a shooter or a facilitator, Peterka will benefit immensely from being on the Utah Mammoth power play.
Peterka is only 23 years old, but he continues to improve his game each season while also boosting his confidence. Another nice part about the Mammoth adding Peterka is his attention to detail while playing defensively without the puck. He proved last season that he’s not just a one-trick pony, and that will bode well for him with the Mammoth coaching staff. Peterka will have a much stronger supporting cast in Utah compared to what he had in Buffalo. He had stretches last season where he played at a point-per-game pace, but I can see him becoming a regular point-per-game player as he hits his prime. Luckily for the Mammoth, his prime years will happen while he’s with them.
JJ Peterka Expectations with Utah Mammoth
I think we will see Peterka reach career highs in all offensive categories this season. It is not out of the realm of possibilities that Peterka has his first career 30-goal season. He is also likely to surpass 70 points. Realistic expectations for Peterka’s first season with the Mammoth should be 32-35 goals, as well as 46-50 assists, which would equal 78-85 points in 82 games.
If these expectations turn into reality, Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong will look like a genius for stealing Peterka away from the Sabres. Yes, he gave up assets in Doan and Kesselring, but that’s the price of adding a top young talent to an already impressive roster. The Mammoth should be considered a playoff contender heading into the 2025-26 season with the additions they made this summer. Peterka, along with Nate Schmidt and Brandon Tanev.
