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Recent report confirmed the Chicago Blackhawks are set to offer sheet a surprising player in the off-season
As the NHL season nears its end, Buffalo Sabres forward John-Jason Peterka is preparing to enter restricted free agency (RFA) this summer. With no new contract signed yet, many believe the 23-year-old could attract attention from other teams when free agency begins on July 1st, like the Chicago Blackhawks.
Peterka has had an impressive year, scoring 19 goals and adding 32 assists for a total of 51 points in 61 games. His speed on the ice and knack for creating scoring opportunities have made him stand out.
After finishing his entry-level deal, which paid him $856,000 per year, the young German player is due for a big raise.
This could tempt other teams to send him an offer sheet, hoping to snag a talented top-six forward.
Could Chicago Target Peterka?
One team that keeps coming up in talks about Peterka is the Chicago Blackhawks.
They're working to speed up their rebuild and want to bring in skilled players to support their star, Connor Bedard. Rumors suggest Chicago might offer Peterka a seven-year deal worth $8.5 million per season, according to Bill Scott.
If Chicago goes through with this, they'd have to give Buffalo a first-round, second-round, and third-round pick from the 2026 draft as compensation.
With plenty of draft picks and salary cap room, this could be a smart move for the Blackhawks, considering Peterka's potential and youth, and Davidson's willingness to move draft picks for NHL-ready talent, as we confirmed in an earlier report.
But would Buffalo match the offer?
The Sabres have already locked in big contracts for young stars like Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Owen Power.
They have the cap space to keep Peterka, but if they're worried about future financial flexibility, they might let him go and take the draft picks instead.
Is Peterka Worth It for Chicago?
Pairing him with Bedard, Frank Nazar, and defenseman Artyom Levshunov could build a strong foundation for the future. On the flip side, giving up several draft picks is a steep price to pay.
If you were running the Blackhawks, would you make an offer for Peterka? Let us know in the poll below:
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
MARS 17 | 433 ANSWERS Recent report confirmed the Chicago Blackhawks are set to offer sheet a surprising player in the off-season Should the CHicago Blackhawks offer sheet this young Sabres forward? | ||
| Yes | 290 | 67 % |
| No | 143 | 33 % |
| List of polls | ||
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