Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas has made it clear that he is committed to retooling the roster rather than tearing it down for a full-scale rebuild. With a projected $26.3 million in salary cap space heading into the offseason, Pittsburgh has the financial flexibility to make a significant move.
One name that has surfaced as a potential target is Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka. According to Penguins insider Dan Kingerski, Dubas could explore using an offer sheet to pry the promising young forward away from Buffalo. Given the Penguins’ need for more offensive firepower and speed, Peterka would be an ideal fit for a team looking to make a serious playoff push next season.
Why JJ Peterka is an Offer Sheet Candidate
Peterka, a 23-year-old winger, has been steadily improving since making his NHL debut. With his blend of speed, skill, and playmaking ability, he has developed into a key piece of Buffalo’s forward core.
The Penguins are not the only team rumored to be considering an offer sheet for Peterka. The Chicago Blackhawks have also been linked to the idea, as they look to build around Connor Bedard with talented young wingers. However, Pittsburgh’s combination of cap space and depth in draft picks gives them a strong chance of executing an offer sheet successfully.
It is believed that an offer sheet in the range of $8.5 million per season could put significant pressure on Buffalo. At that price point, the Sabres would need to decide whether Peterka is worth the investment or if they would be better off accepting the 2026 first, second, and third-round picks as compensation. Given the uncertainty surrounding Buffalo’s long-term cap structure, the Penguins may see this as an opportunity to strike.
Can the Penguins Pull Off This Bold Move?
Historically, offer sheets in the NHL are rare, but they have been used effectively in the past. The most notable recent example was when the St. Louis Blues successfully offer sheeted Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway last summer. If Dubas is serious about adding young, high-end talent to Pittsburgh’s roster without giving up immediate assets, this could be his chance.
For the Penguins, securing Peterka would not only inject youth and skill into their top-six forward group but also make a statement that the team is still in “win-now” mode despite their aging core. The key question remains: will Dubas be willing to part with multiple draft picks to make this happen, and will the Sabres be in a financial position to match?
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