Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka is set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) this offseason, and with no contract extension in place as the NHL season winds down, speculation is mounting that he could be a prime offer sheet target on July 1st.
At just 23 years old, Peterka is enjoying a breakout season, tallying 51 points (19 goals, 32 assists) in 61 games played. His offensive production, combined with his elite skating and ability to generate scoring chances, makes him one of the top young RFAs on the market. Coming off his entry-level contract ($856K AAV), the German winger will be in line for a significant pay raise—which could make him a target for an offer sheet from a team looking to add top-six forward talent.
Could the Chicago Blackhawks Offer Sheet JJ Peterka?
One of the biggest names linked to JJ Peterka rumors is the Chicago Blackhawks. The team is looking to accelerate its rebuild and add quality talent around phenom Connor Bedard. According to the latest reports, Chicago is considering an offer sheet worth $8.5 million per year on a seven-year contract.
If the Blackhawks follow through with this rumored offer sheet, it would cost them a 2026 first-round, second-round, and third-round pick as compensation. Given Peterka’s upside and age, this could be a calculated risk for Chicago, as they have a wealth of draft picks and cap space to work with.
The big question is: Would the Sabres match? Buffalo is already committing long-term money to its young core, including Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Owen Power. With cap flexibility, the Sabres could afford to match the offer, but if they have concerns about their future cap structure, they might consider letting Peterka go and collecting the draft pick compensation.
Final Thoughts: Should the Blackhawks Make the Move?
For Blackhawks fans, the decision boils down to whether Peterka is worth the significant investment. Adding a young, skilled winger to a forward core featuring Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Artyom Levshunov on defense could set up Chicago for long-term success. However, they must weigh whether giving up multiple draft picks is worth the price.
Would you offer sheet JJ Peterka if you were in the Blackhawks’ front office? Or should Chicago stay patient in their rebuild? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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