Peterka traded to Bruins by Mammoth for two first-round picks

By Liam Tremblay — 27 June 2026 — 4 min read

The Boston Bruins have acquired forward JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for two first-round draft picks. The trade, which was finalized on Friday, sees the Mammoth receive the No. 23 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional first-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

The 2028 first-round pick was originally obtained by Boston from the Florida Panthers as part of a deal for forward Brad Marchand on March 7, 2025. This conditional pick is protected for the top 10 selections. Following the trade, Utah then dealt the No. 23 pick to the Detroit Red Wings later the same evening in exchange for goaltender Sebastian Cossa.

Mammoth’s Strategic Moves

Bill Armstrong, the Mammoth general manager, commented on the trade, stating that the team needed to create space for younger players in offensive situations. He described Peterka as a valuable player, noting that receiving two first-rounders for him represented significant value. Armstrong highlighted that one of the first-round picks allowed the team to acquire a goaltender they had been pursuing for several years.

The other first-round pick provides the Mammoth with flexibility for future deals. Armstrong emphasized that these moves offer opportunities for younger players and allow the team to bring in a young goaltender who is seen as a potential future asset for the club. The Mammoth, in only their second season as a franchise, qualified for the playoffs this season with a record of 43-33-6, entering as the first wild card from the Western Conference. They were eliminated in six games by the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Peterka’s Performance and Contract

Peterka recorded 47 points, including 25 goals and 22 assists, in 82 games during his first season with the Mammoth. He was acquired by Utah from the Buffalo Sabres on June 26, 2025. Despite his regular-season performance, he did not register any points in six Stanley Cup Playoff games. The forward has four seasons remaining on a five-year contract valued at $38.5 million, with an average annual value of $7.7 million, which he signed on the day he joined Utah.

Peterka, a German winger, spent the first four years of his career with the Sabres before his trade to Utah, which involved Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring. He was a second-round pick, No. 34 overall, by Buffalo in the 2020 NHL Draft. Throughout his career with both the Sabres and the Mammoth, Peterka has accumulated 197 points, comprising 92 goals and 105 assists, across 320 regular-season games.

Bruins’ Perspective and Cossa’s Arrival

Don Sweeney, the Bruins general manager, praised Peterka’s attributes, highlighting his speed, skill, and elite shot. Sweeney believes Peterka will offer the Bruins another option on the power play and noted his strong 5-on-5 production. Peterka’s ability to play both wings and complement various types of centers is also seen as a significant asset for Boston, a team that finished as the first wild card from the Eastern Conference this season with a record of 45-27-10. The Bruins were eliminated by the Sabres in six games in the first round of the playoffs.

Sweeney also mentioned Peterka’s previous role with Buffalo, where he was tasked with driving much of the offense for a young team. In Utah, his role became more complementary due to the team’s top-heavy roster and abundance of skill, which led to a decrease in his power-play time compared to his tenure with Buffalo. The Bruins aim to deepen their roster and add speed, an element they have been looking to address both internally and externally.

Regarding the goaltender acquired by Utah, Sebastian Cossa, he posted a record of 26-8-4 with a 2.33 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage, and five shutouts in 39 games for Grand Rapids in the American Hockey League this season. Cossa, who was selected by Detroit in the first round, No. 15 overall, of the 2021 NHL Draft, is eligible to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

Armstrong expressed confidence in Cossa’s development, noting his accumulated games in the AHL and his readiness to take the next step. He anticipates Cossa will be a crucial part of the Mammoth club in the upcoming season.

Source: nhl.com