Sabres GM: There Was 'Zero, zero truth' To JJ Peterka Trade Rumors

His name was starting to percolate as we approached the trade deadline, with the New York Rangers in particular being linked to Buffalo Sabres' youngster JJ Peterka. The 23-year-old is just finishing up his entry-level contract and will be a restricted free agent on July 1.

But the Sabres had no intention of moving on from him. In fact, general manager Kevyn Adams said there were no plans whatsoever to trade Peterka.

“Zero, zero truth to that, anything around JJ in terms of looking to move him or any of that stuff,” Adams said after the deadline passed, per Buffalo Hockey Beat. “I think JJ’s a guy that’s a young player still.

"We’re going to sit down after the season, we’ll get to his agent immediately, say, ‘OK, where do we go from here?’ I just think he’s one of our core young guys."

'Immediately' is the key word there, as with 47 goals and 101 points and counting over the past season and three-quarters, Peterka could be ripe for an offer sheet poach if the Sabres don't act quickly and decisively.

The former 2nd round pick (34th overall) from the 2020 NHL Draft has already set a new career high in points this season with 51, with about 20 games to play. His time on ice is also at an all-time high, up by two minutes per night from last season, to 18:14. He's been a fixture in Buffalo's top six, often on the top line.

Although the Sabres have plenty of other young players locked up long-term, it would be hard to argue against serving up another significant extension for the young gunner, and making him another part of the team's core group going forward.