The 2026 NHL Draft has officially arrived, and the Boston Bruins currently hold the No. 23 overall selection. As of right now, the Bruins still hold their first round pick.
But according to a new report from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the Bruins are close to acquiring a former 28-goal scorer that once played for a divisional rival.
Per Friedman, the Bruins are in talks with the Utah Mammoth to acquire forward JJ Peterka, who began his career with the Buffalo Sabres before being dealt to Salt Lake City last offseason as part of the Josh Doan deal.
“Hearing Boston and Utah are working on a JJ Peterka deal. We will see how this develops.”
The Boston Bruins Are Reportedly Closing In On A Deal For Former Sabres Forward JJ Peterka
Peterka, who is 24 years old, taken 34th overall in the 2020 Draft by the Buffalo Sabres while developing in Germany with EC Red Bull Salzburg. He later suited up for EHC Red Bull München before transitioning to North America, joining the Sabres’ AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans.
In Rochester, he quickly established himself as a dynamic scorer, finishing his first full campaign with 28 goals and 40 assists while consistently driving offensive production. His play earned him a brief NHL introduction that same season, appearing in two games with Buffalo, who did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Peterka’s first full NHL year came in 2022-23, where he recorded 12 goals and 20 assists across 77 appearances. He elevated his game the following season, reaching a new personal best with 28 goals and cementing himself as a top-six contributor.
During the offseason, he was dealt to the Utah Mammoth in a package that sent Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan the other way, before quickly signing a five-year, $38.5 million extension in what was expected to be a long-term relationship in Salt Lake City. In his most recent season, he produced 25 goals and 22 assists, and it looks as though he’s now one-and-done with the Mammoth.
Report: Bruins Closing In On Deal For Former Rival 28-Goal Scorer