Copyright yardbarker
Last summer, the Buffalo Sabres shipped disgruntled left-winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and left-winger Josh Doan. The Sabres’ management faced an immense amount of backlash at the time of the deal, as critics viewed the return of Kesselring and Doan as insufficient for the value that Peterka provided. If the start of the season has proven anything, it is that Doan has found himself a stable role on the second line, while the Sabres still await Kesselring’s debut in the blue and gold. The Utah Mammoth, on the other hand, took the NHL by storm to open the season as they are currently first in the competitive Central Division, boasting a record of 8-2-0, riding a seven-game winning streak. Peterka played a significant role in the team’s red-hot start, posting nine points (three goals and six assists) in the first ten games. He also holds a net positive plus/minus, which means the team scores more and allows fewer goals when he is on the ice. Kesselring Fills a Need & Doan Is a Catalyst Who Sparked Buffalo’s Resurgence The central piece of the haul that the Sabres got in return in the Peterka swap was Kesselring. The trade, at first glance, seemed to have fleeced Buffalo because it is more difficult to replace a reliable forward who contributed a career-high 68 points (27 goals and 41 assists). As they say, however, the grass is always greener when a team gets rid of an unhappy player. The Sabres managed to deal with the Peterka situation while bolstering the team’s blue line, making it one of the NHL’s best. 2021 first overall pick, Owen Power, now has a clear-cut second pairing with the right-hand shot Kesselring. The 25-year-old Kesselring suffered an undisclosed injury that caused him to miss the start of the season. His return will provide a significant boost on defense, as the team looks to continue its campaign with a more complete roster. The initially less thought-about piece when the deal took place has shown that he is not just a backdrop of the package. Doan has not only cracked Buffalo’s lineup, but if his recent performances indicate anything, it is that he will be there for the long run. Finding a replacement to suffice Peterka’s production may be daunting, yet Doan’s progression early on the season revealed his scoring prowess at the NHL level.
