The Buffalo Sabres have recently been involved in trade rumors surrounding Bowen Byram, with reports suggesting that they are gauging the 23-year-old restricted free agent (RFA) defenseman’s value on the market. Many believe the Sabres might look to move Byram to create salary cap space, potentially to re-sign young forwards like JJ Peterka. However, new developments indicate that signing Peterka could prove to be more difficult than initially expected.
The Situation with JJ Peterka
Peterka, the 23-year-old right winger, is completing his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. This makes his future with the Sabres uncertain, as he could be the target of an offer sheet once free agency begins on July 1. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli lists Peterka at the top of his NHL Trade Targets Board, noting that multiple teams made significant offers for the winger at the trade deadline. Despite these offers, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams sees Peterka as part of the team’s core.
However, with the potential threat of an offer sheet looming, the Sabres may find themselves in a tough position. Chris Johnston of The Athletic also mentioned Peterka in his list of off-season trade candidates, highlighting the possibility of an offer sheet if the winger is not signed by July 1. Johnston reiterated that Adams views Peterka as an important piece of the Sabres’ future, but the player’s willingness to commit long-term to the team remains uncertain.
While the threat of an offer sheet is concerning, the Sabres do have over $23 million in cap space this summer, more than enough to match any offer from a rival club, particularly if they trade Byram. If Peterka isn’t willing to sign a long-term deal with Buffalo, it could lead to reconsidering their stance on moving Byram. Some, like Adam Proteau, believe that moving on from a rising star like Peterka could be disastrous for the team’s future.
Bowen Byram’s Trade Potential
The rumors surrounding Byram indicate the Sabres might be considering trading him to free up the necessary cap space to secure their young players, including Peterka. However, this move would be a significant one, as Byram is seen as a promising defenseman with the potential to contribute to a team’s core for years to come. The Sabres would need to weigh the long-term value of Byram against the cost of possibly losing Peterka due to financial constraints.
If Peterka’s situation remains unresolved, the Sabres may decide that trading Byram is the best move to maintain flexibility for other roster changes. However, it’s a decision that could impact their defense for the future, so any potential trade involving Byram would need to be carefully considered.
Jonathan Marchessault and the Nashville Predators
Meanwhile, there have been reports about Jonathan Marchessault potentially wanting a trade from the Nashville Predators. The 34-year-old right winger, who is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $5.5 million, has a full no-movement clause. However, if Nashville approaches him about a trade, Marchessault can submit a 15-team no-trade list.
Despite Marchessault’s high salary, the Predators may find a trade partner for the veteran forward. However, Alex Daugherty of The Tennessean speculates that Nashville will likely receive a low draft pick or a low-tier prospect in return. Additionally, the Predators might have to include a draft pick of their own to make the deal work. Marchessault’s contract could complicate any potential trade, but his experience and offensive production might make him an appealing option for certain teams.
The Buffalo Sabres are at a crossroads with two important decisions ahead: how to handle JJ Peterka’s potential offer sheet and whether to trade Bowen Byram to free up cap space. Both players represent the future of the Sabres, and losing either one could have long-term ramifications. With over $23 million in cap space, the team has room to maneuver, but it will need to balance current roster needs with future growth.
For now, the Sabres’ offseason strategy remains uncertain. But the decisions surrounding Peterka and Byram will likely define the direction Buffalo takes moving forward.
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