The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/utah-mammoth">Utah Mammoth</a> are looking to do things right heading into next season, and one of their first moves was locking up the future of one of Clayton Keller’s teammates who suited up for all 82 games last year.



The player in question is Jack McBain, who just signed a new deal with the Mammoth. It seems one season was all it took for Utah to realize that McBain could play a key role in helping the team push further in the years ahead.



McBain isn’t quite a veteran yet, but with four <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> seasons under his belt, he’s shown he can be an important supporting piece alongside stars like Keller—who netted 30 goals last season and led the team in scoring.



<h2>How much will McBain earn with his new deal?</h2>



Utah signed McBain to a five-year deal reportedly worth over four million annually. “Utah Mammoth and Jack McBain avoid arbitration and reach an accord: 5 years x $4.25 million,” reported Frank Seravalli on X. For context, McBain earned $1.59 million last season in his first year with the Mammoth.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Darnell Nurse and Jack McBain drop the gloves 🥊 <a href="https://t.co/5kPhIwIL5a">pic.twitter.com/5kPhIwIL5a</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1902176020309958681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>A valuable contributor in Utah</h2>



McBain was one of just six Utah players to appear in all 82 games last year. He ranked 11th in assists on the team with 14 total—solid production for his position. He has yet to top his career-best of 18 assists, which he recorded with Arizona during the 2023–24 season.



Now that Utah has secured a solid piece for the future, Keller and the rest of the roster can take some comfort knowing there’s more talent locked in for the long haul—especially with the team continuing to chase a future playoff berth.

NHL News: Utah makes major decision on Clayton Keller’s teammate with new 5-year deal

NHL News: Utah makes major decision on Clayton Keller’s teammate with new 5-year deal - Bolavip US

Utah makes major decision on Clayton Keller’s teammate

miniaturas

Being called to transition from a promising young talent to a locker room leader is a major test for any athlete. In this case, JJ Peterka made his feelings clear after joining the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/utah-mammoth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah Mammoth</a> following a strong run with the Buffalo Sabres in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>.



Peterka arrived in Utah after a 68-point season with the Sabres and is now viewed as a strategic addition. The Mammoth acquired him through a big trade that included a five-year, $38.5 million contract, with an average annual value of $7.7 million.



The Mammoth are building their identity around a rebrand that embraces young, stable talent, following a solid cycle of four seasons in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-sabres" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sabres</a>, where he was a star. For Peterka, new and intense challenges lie ahead.



<h2>Peterka’s comments on his future in Utah</h2>



“The fans were right up against the ice. It’s going to be super exciting. When I check out the roster and see how many young guys are already having success, I feel like it’s just a great fit for myself. We can develop together, and hopefully, we’ll pile up many wins,” Peterka said, according to NHL.com.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250705_BUS_433246_JJ-peterka-2-1024x576_37c4caf4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="JJ Peterka" class="wp-image-427660" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075020/JJ-peterka-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075020/JJ-peterka-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075020/JJ-peterka-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075020/JJ-peterka-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075020/JJ-peterka-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075020/JJ-peterka-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075020/JJ-peterka-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075020/JJ-peterka-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>JJ Peterka #77 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on November 30, 2024 in Elmont, New York. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Peterka’s potential impact on the Mammoth</h2>



Peterka joins a team that is expected to feature him as one of its main faces heading into next season. The 23-year-old forward recorded 68 points in 77 games during the 2024-25 campaign and now joins a squad that is expected to make noise thanks to its promising young core.


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-after-signing-nate-schmidt-utah-snatches-another-stanley-cup-champion-from-brad-marchands-panthers"></div>


Another perspective to measure the impact of Peterka’s trade is to consider the Sabres, who moved their top scorer in exchange for two less prominent players, Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan, a deal that not all fans praised.

NHL News: JJ Peterka makes bold admission after big trade and arrival to Utah Mammoth from Sabres

NHL News: Sabres reportedly rejected massive trade offers for JJ Peterka before deal with Mammoth

NHL News: With Nate Schmidt leaving for Utah, Brad Marchand’s Panthers welcome veteran on bargain deal

NHL News: JJ Peterka makes bold admission after big trade and arrival to Utah Mammoth from Sabres - Bolavip US

JJ Peterka makes bold admission after big trade and arrival to Utah Mammoth from Sabres

The Utah Mammoth want to establish themselves as a serious contender for the 2024–25 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season and have taken a big step forward by signing a player who was not only a champion with the Florida Panthers but also a former teammate of star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Marchand</a>.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida</a> has had a strong start to the offseason after securing extensions for Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad, key pieces of the roster who were fundamental in winning the 2024–25 NHL season championship against the Edmonton Oilers in the final.



Bill Zito delivered on his promise to sign all his core players before they hit free agency. In just three days, one major move helped lock in all three names. However, with such big decisions come necessary small adjustments to the roster. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/utah-mammoth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah</a> appears to be taking advantage of that need.



<h2>The new player for the Utah Mammoth</h2>



According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, the player Utah signed is none other than goaltender Vitek Vanecek, who agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million with the Mammoth. The two-time Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers part ways with a familiar face from their roster after making major financial commitments.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250701_BUS_430780_Vitek-Vanecek-1024x576_0540eeb7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-430816" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01171441/Vitek-Vanecek-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01171441/Vitek-Vanecek-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01171441/Vitek-Vanecek-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01171441/Vitek-Vanecek-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01171441/Vitek-Vanecek-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01171441/Vitek-Vanecek-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01171441/Vitek-Vanecek-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01171441/Vitek-Vanecek.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Vitek Vanecek of the Florida Panthers</figcaption></figure>



The addition of Vanecek joins that of Nate Schmidt, who signed with the Mammoth on a three-year, $10.5 million contract (with an average annual value of $3.5 million). The deal was finalized in the early hours of July 1, becoming one of the first moves by the Panthers after free agency opened.


 

 

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<h2>Vanecek’s potential impact in Utah</h2>



Utah, coming off a titleless season, continues to strengthen its roster with the goal of building a more competitive team for next season. In this context, Vanecek could provide stability in net for the Mammoth. The 29-year-old goaltender had a challenging season with Florida, appearing in 25 games (24 as a starter) and recording only five wins, along with 14 losses and four overtime losses.

NHL News: After signing Nate Schmidt, Utah snatches another Stanley Cup champion from Brad Marchand’s Panthers

NHL News: After re-signing Marchand, Ekblad, and Bennett, Panthers lose 2x Stanley Cup champion to Wild

NHL News: Panthers lose another Stanley Cup champion after keeping Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad

NHL News: After signing Nate Schmidt, Utah snatches another Stanley Cup champion from Brad Marchand's Panthers - Bolavip US

Utah snatches another Stanley Cup champion from Brad Marchand's Panthers

The Florida Panthers aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon. After re-signing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a>, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad, the Cats waved goodbye to Nate Schmidt, who is off to the Utah Mammoth. However, it didn’t take long for Florida to find a replacement, signing a veteran to a bargain deal.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> are already eyeing a three-peat. After the back-to-back Stanley Cups, Florida has become greedy. Marchand and company know their window is wide open to establish a dynasty and they won’t take it for granted. 



In hopes of replacing Schmidt, who is off to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/utah-mammoth">Utah</a>, Bill Zito wasted no time. The Panthers have now brought in a new veteran still chasing his first Stanley Cup. Florida gives any player one of the best shots at a title, and as a result, veterans are willing to take less money in hopes of finally striking gold.



As reported by insider Elliotte Friedman, Florida has signed veteran Jeff Petry to a league-minimum contract, plus signing bonuses. Petry, a 37-year-old, will search for his first championship with the Cats in Broward County.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250701_BUS_430563_jeff-petry-1024x576_3a8c1c6f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-430620" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01150608/jeff-petry-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01150608/jeff-petry-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01150608/jeff-petry-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01150608/jeff-petry-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01150608/jeff-petry-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01150608/jeff-petry-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01150608/jeff-petry-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/01150608/jeff-petry.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jeff Petry #46 of the Detroit Red Wings is introduced before a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena on October 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>League minimum: How much will Petry make?</h2>



The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NHL and NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) has set the league’s minimum contract at $775,000. This figure is expected to increase to $850,000 ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.


 

 

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<h2>Hoping to get the ‘Schmidt’ treatment</h2>



Similarly to Schmidt’s arrival in Sunrise prior to the 2024-25 NHL season, Petry will enter the team’s facilities hoping to experience immediate success. Schmidt hoisted his first Stanley Cup at 33 years of age, and was the first to be handed the Cup after captain Aleksander Barkov did. Petry, 37, is looking to make a lasting impression on the roster and receive a similar treatment from the league’s best team.



<h2>Remember me?</h2>



Petry, an icon of the Montreal Canadiens, has had his fair share of scuffles and tilts with the Boston Bruins—and, of course, with Marchand. Now, they’ll share a locker room. 







However, Marchand has shown an incredible ability to let go of the past and focus solely on the present. He became best friends with Sam Bennett, with whom he once went to battle, so Petry shouldn’t expect things to be any different when he arrives in Sunrise.

NHL News: As Brad Marchand re-signs with Panthers, Bruins take massive gamble on former Lightning bust

NHL News: With Nate Schmidt leaving for Utah, Brad Marchand's Panthers welcome veteran on bargain deal - Bolavip US

With Schmidt leaving for Utah, Marchand's Panthers welcome veteran on bargain deal

As <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers continue their negotiations, the rest of the NHL is sneakily listening at the door. In addition to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins, reports state that a surprising suitor is gearing up to make a big offer if Marchand becomes available.



Following his monstrous performance during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Marchand earned league-wide attention. Now, virtually every <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> franchise is interested in him, but only a few can stack enough dollar bills to turn the dream into reality.



It seems Marchand’s wish is to stay in Sunrise, but it will take a bigger effort from the two parties that to make both ends meet. With the Maple Leafs and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Bruins</a> creeping through the window on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/florida-panthers-stanley-cup-pursuit">reigning Stanley Cup champions</a>, the Cats can sense the pressure to re-sign the veteran. However, Boston and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto</a> might not be alone in their pursuit.



<h2>Bursting onto the scene</h2>



There might not be a better way to establish a brand of hockey than making a big splash in the franchise’s first offseason. At least that’s what the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/utah-mammoth">Utah Mammoth</a> must think. Ahead of the first NHL season under the current name, the franchise in Salt Lake City is seemingly all in.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250630_BUS_429676_utah-mamoth-1024x576_fc862f71.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-429705" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/30142651/utah-mamoth-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/30142651/utah-mamoth-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/30142651/utah-mamoth-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/30142651/utah-mamoth-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/30142651/utah-mamoth-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/30142651/utah-mamoth-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/30142651/utah-mamoth-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/30142651/utah-mamoth.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Caleb Desnoyers poses for a portrait after being drafted by the Utah Mammoth with the fourth overall pick during the first round of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE on June 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.</figcaption></figure>



“Credit to the Utah Mammoth for what appears to be an aggressive approach this offseason. If Brad Marchand hits the open market tomorrow, look for Utah, Boston and Toronto to among those with strong interest,” insider Darren Dreger said on X.


 

 

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<h2>Homecoming?</h2>



When it comes to Marchand’s home in the NHL, the first image that comes to mind is Boston. While he made a lasting impression in just a few months with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a>, Marchand will always be a Bruins legend first and foremost. That said, he has openly admitted that Florida has felt like home since his arrival.



It’s hard to imagine the 37-year-old will want to start from scratch again when he has two familiar homes he could return to. Whether he prefers Sunrise’s humidity and year-round summer or Boston’s briskness is a whole other question.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6862d7379a59e2e0ea8f75d8" data-title="Where do you think Marchand fits the best?" data-options="4"></div>


“Hearing now Marchand is yet to rule Boston out,” reporter Jimmy Murphy said on X. “Florida already made offer but may be able to go higher depending on Ekblad situation. Lots of twists and turns suddenly and while I’m told he doesn’t want to go west, what if Utah offers the mother load? Or Toronto?“

Brad Marchand might have an unexpectedly aggressive suitor apart from Maple Leafs, Bruins to leave Panthers

NHL News: Panthers GM Bill Zito drops major hint on when Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad could sign new deals

NHL News: Predators reportedly interested in Brad Marchand or Aaron Ekblad if they fail to re-sign with Panthers

Brad Marchand might have an unexpectedly aggressive suitor apart from Maple Leafs, Bruins to leave Panthers - Bolavip US

Marchand might have an unexpectedly aggressive suitor apart from Toronto, Boston to leave Florida

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-sabres">Buffalo Sabres’</a> decision to trade JJ Peterka sent shockwaves across the NHL, not just because of the move itself—but because of what they didn’t take in return. On paper, shipping off a 27-goal scorer with 68 points last season in exchange for Utah Mammoth’s Josh Doan, Michael Kesselring, and a prospect left many scratching their heads.



The discontent among Sabres fans only grew when reports emerged that other franchises had offered far more substantial returns for the 22-year-old winger. Among the rumored proposals were two first-round picks, roster players, and even current NHL stars—suggesting Buffalo passed up on deals that could’ve reshaped their roster far more dramatically.



As Peterka settles into his five-year, $7.7 million-per-season contract with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/utah-mammoth">Mammoth</a>, questions loom over whether Buffalo made the right call. Inside sources now reveal the Sabres had offers on the table involving elite-level talent, including Jordan Kyrou and Noah Dobson.



<h2>What did the Sabres turn down for Peterka?</h2>



According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, the Sabres had multiple enticing trade offers that were far superior to the package they ultimately accepted from Utah.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250627_BUS_427647_JJ-peterka-sabres-1024x576_1d19bc9f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-427661" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075113/JJ-peterka-sabres-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075113/JJ-peterka-sabres-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075113/JJ-peterka-sabres-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075113/JJ-peterka-sabres-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075113/JJ-peterka-sabres-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075113/JJ-peterka-sabres-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075113/JJ-peterka-sabres-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/27075113/JJ-peterka-sabres.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>&nbsp;JJ Peterka #77 with the Buffalo Sabres shoots the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center during the second period at KeyBank Center on April 17, 2025 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



“There was one team who offered two first-round picks plus two roster players,” Seravalli reported. “I think the St. Louis Blues had Jordan Kyrou on the table. I think at one point in time, the New York Islanders were talking about Noah Dobson.”


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Both players would have added immediate, proven value to the Sabres’ roster. Kyrou, 27, has tallied three straight 30-goal seasons, notching over 70 points in two of them. Dobson, 25, is considered a perennial Norris Trophy candidate, with at least 39 points in each of the past four campaigns.



<h2>Why did Buffalo choose Kesselring and Doan?</h2>



Buffalo opted for a younger, more long-term approach by acquiring Josh Doan, Utah’s No. 7 prospect, and 25-year-old Michael Kesselring, a defenseman with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> upside. However, critics argue the return lacks immediate impact and fails to match Peterka’s current level of production.



Seravalli summarized the fan reaction by saying: “You smash all those things together and you go, ‘Kesselring and Doan?’ It’s not getting anyone excited in Western New York.”


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="685e84e09a59e2e0ea8f7549" data-title="Did the Sabres make a mistake trading JJ Peterka for Utah’s package?" data-options="4"></div>


With Peterka now gone and the Sabres’ rebuild continuing under Kevyn Adams, time will tell if this move was a misstep—or part of a larger strategy Buffalo is still putting into motion.

NHL, NHLPA intensify critical talks as new collective bargaining agreement looms

Sidney Crosby’s Penguins, Erik Karlsson reportedly open to trade only under one key condition

NHL News: Sabres reportedly rejected massive trade offers for JJ Peterka before deal with Mammoth - Bolavip US

Young forward JJ Peterka proved during the 2024–25 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season that he’s capable of accomplishing great things. After recording his best numbers yet, the 23-year-old was traded by the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-sabres" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buffalo Sabres</a>, having already established himself as a key player since being selected in the 2020 Draft.



Peterka was in a critical contract situation, as he was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1, 2025. That meant the Sabres were in a race against time, nowhere close to reaching a new deal to keep him and dangerously close to losing him if another franchise made an offer they couldn’t or wouldn’t match.



The player’s contract situation, combined with Buffalo’s need to restructure and add depth in other areas, led the franchise to start listening to offers. All sides saved themselves the trouble of waiting for the July free agency window and managed to strike a fair deal in advance.



<h2>Peterka’s new team</h2>



Peterka’s new team is the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/utah-mammoth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah Mammoth</a>. The Sabres traded the German winger in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan. The move represents a significant step for both franchises ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250626_BUS_427084_JJ-Peterka-1-1024x576_8be343ba.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-427090" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26081221/JJ-Peterka-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26081221/JJ-Peterka-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26081221/JJ-Peterka-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26081221/JJ-Peterka-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26081221/JJ-Peterka-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26081221/JJ-Peterka-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26081221/JJ-Peterka-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26081221/JJ-Peterka-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres skates during warmups before a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center on April 17, 2025 (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Just minutes after the deal was finalized, Utah acted quickly to lock down their new addition, offering Peterka a sizable five-year, $38.5 million contract, with an average annual salary of $7.7 million. The Mammoth are making clear use of their strong cap space.


 

 

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<h2>Peterka’s numbers last season</h2>



Peterka’s recent performance in the league more than justifies the Mammoth’s decision to bring him in. The young German played in 77 games during the 2024–25 campaign, scoring 27 goals and adding 41 assists for a total of 68 points, his best NHL season to date.

NHL News: JJ Peterka lands with a new team after blockbuster trade ending long stint with the Sabres

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Stanley Cup champion with Nathan MacKinnon’s Avalanche wishes to join Elias Pettersson’s Canucks, reports indicate

NHL News: JJ Peterka lands with a new team after blockbuster trade ending long stint with the Sabres - Bolavip US

JJ Peterka lands with a new team after blockbuster trade ending long stint with the Sabres

It seems all but certain that Mitch Marner won’t remain with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> for the 2025–26 NHL season, and recent reports suggest that one franchise has been quietly flying under the radar in the Marner sweepstakes.



The Maple Leafs’ latest collapse in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is shaping up to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back in Toronto, with major changes expected this offseason. Marner’s departure might be the biggest story of the summer in The Six, but it likely won’t be the only one.



Marner is the most sought after free agent in the upcoming class, drawing interest from nearly every team in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> with an extra penny on their pockets. Obviously, teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, who are known for their aggressive approach in the offseason are among the favorites, but there is one sleeper team, silently creeping into the picture.



According to reports from insider Elliotte Friedman, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/utah-mammoth">Utah Mammoth</a> are one of the ‘teams to watch’ regarding Mitch Marner in the upcoming free agency period.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250603_BUS_410541_utah-mammoth-1024x576_5cbc6c25.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-410557" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/03163124/utah-mammoth-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/03163124/utah-mammoth-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/03163124/utah-mammoth-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/03163124/utah-mammoth-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/03163124/utah-mammoth-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/03163124/utah-mammoth-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/03163124/utah-mammoth-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/03163124/utah-mammoth.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Utah Mammoth players Jack McBain, left, and Dylan Guenther, right, are shown in the home black jerseys with the new logo during an introductory press conference announcing the Utah Mammoth as the permanent franchise name at Delta Center on May 7, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>New Utah, new star</h2>



The Mammoth will play their inaugural NHL season during the 2025-26 campaign, and they will vie to feature a top superstar in the league for such a special occasion. 


 

 

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Marner’s presence in the Beehive State could bolster the franchise to success it hadn’t found in its first season, when they were the Utah Hockey Club. Moreover, they currently have over $20M available in cap space, and could pay for Marner’s hefty contract.



<h2>A fit for the Kings</h2>



Per insider David Pagnotta, the Los Angeles Kings are high on Marner’s list of teams he’s looking at, even higher than the Vegas Golden Knights. The Kings will be aggressive in their pursuit, especially after their fourth consecutive first round exit against the Edmonton Oilers this season.


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Los Angeles last advanced past the first round in the 2013-14 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and Marner’s arrival could finally put an end to the postseason slump in the City of Angels.

NHL News: Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly set to choose Mitch Marner’s successor

NHL News: Mitch Marner set to leave Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs as a new team prepares a move

NHL News: Insider hints at sleeper team to sign Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner ahead of dramatic free agency - Bolavip US

Insider hints at sleeper team to sign Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner ahead of dramatic free agency

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