The Sabres prioritized pieces that they needed now by dealing Peterka

The Utah Mammoth sent shockwaves through the hockey world by acquiring winger JJ Peterka in a blockbuster deal with the Buffalo Sabres and subsequently extending him to a lucrative contract.

Many expressed confusion at the return, which consisted of defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan, when the market may have yielded a better-perceived return whether it came in the form of multiple first-round picks or a more impactful contributor to the roster.

On Thursday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, host Tyler Yaremchuk and Insider and President of Hockey Content Frank Seravalli were joined by The Athletic’s Matthew Fairburn to discuss why general manager Kevyn Adams and the Sabres prioritized the return that they did, and what they may be seeing in their two new players.

Tyler Yaremchuk: The Sabres get undoubtedly two good roster players in this deal, but listening to Frank talk earlier, there were first round picks being offered and other things of that ilk. What do you make of Kevyn Adams’ approach to take right now assets that can contribute?

Matthew Fairburn: I think you kind of have to do it, right? He’s entering year six as general manager. If he’s not under pressure now to win, then he never will be. He’s talked going back to the deadline about trades they make wanting to make their team better. I don’t think it would have been possible to sell to the fanbase getting rid of Peterka for a first round pick or a prospect and asking these people who have waited 14 years for playoff hockey to wait even longer. They needed to address real needs.

Frank Seravalli: Kevyn Adams has been raked over the coals in the last 12 to 18 hours. Sabres fans feel that this return is underwhelming. Should we wait to see what happens next with Bowen Byram? They were obviously looking for a right-side defenseman and they get one in Kesselring. But if you now trade Bowen Byram, and you’re able to get a forward back in return who might be up to Peterka’s level… maybe we should wait to judge and see the totality of Kevyn Adams’ move instead of just trying to look at it through one lens.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…