It seems that fans, managers and players are ready to move forward from the 2024-25 Buffalo Sabers season. Given its massive ending, there is only reason to think that everyone is focusing on potential deals, draft goals and everything in the offseason.
With more than a month of drafts and the playoffs happening, we will take a moment to see how each Saber performs in the season. Next comes JJ Peterka, one of the most productive players in the roster.
Peterka’s best career season
Despite the bookings from fans, the 2020 second-round draft pick is the best season of his young career. The 23-year-old won a new career highest in assists (41), scores (68), power play goals (6), Ice Time (18:11) and hits (30). His 27 goals are just the difference in the scores of his previous high-scoring championship in the 2023-24 season.
Like many other sabers, the biggest criticism of Peterka is his consistency. Despite his dry stretches less and less, Peterka needs to keep a more consistent effort every night. He is only 23 years old, so some will over time.
While he may not be exactly an elite-scoring winger, there are a lot to like about what he has done in his short career. Continuing this growth and upward trajectory is not only crucial, it is also crucial for Peterka.
Petka’s seasonal growth
The only consistency we see from the saber since Ryan Miller left town is the loss bar. Thankfully, players like Peterka show consistent growth. Peterka was a rookie two seasons ago and has only been better since then.
Although he scored 28 goals and 50 points in 82 games in 2023-24, this must be considered a true debut party for Peterka. Peterka spent most of his time with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, showing that he could be a top winger.
Given his age, Peterka’s best days should be ahead of him. The near-30-ball mark is a good step, but now is the time for Peterka to continue growing and cross that threshold. Achieving more than 30 goals and more than 80 points will be a wonderful continuation of already promising development.
Grading Peterka
While scoring Peterka’s 2024-25 season, we looked at defensive performance, scoring ability, kicking, teamwork and leadership. What’s most interesting about Peterka’s transcript is how he performed in some areas and how he performed in others.
Related: Buffalo Sabers 2024-25 Player Report Card: Alex Tuch
Let’s take a look at Peterka’s overall results in the 2024-25 season:
- Score – B+
- Defense – C+
- Leadership-C+
- Toys – A-
- Teamwork – B+
- Overall – B+
Peterka not only established himself as a top player, but also became the one who should be the core forward. His defensive game and leadership can improve progress, but he spent some electric moments with Thompson while showing as a consistent goal-scoring threat.
2025-26 and beyond
After Tuch, re-signing Peterka will be the most important point. He is a pending restricted free agent (RFA) and should reach a long-term agreement. Saber now has the option of a bridge deal and hopes he continues to develop before giving him a huge deal, but it’s not like the drama here.
Entering next season, Peterka should be in the upper left corner of the team. If he can iron and stay healthy and consistent, he has the potential to surpass 30 goals, 80 marks. If he can do so while doing more responsibly on defense, the swords can contractually find their next major value.
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