What could the Sabres get in a trade for JJ Peterka?

JJ Peterka may be one of the more interesting pieces available on the market this summer. Among all of the higher end targets, he’s by far the youngest at 23 years old, and with 27 goals and 68 points on last year’s Buffalo Sabres team, he’ll bring a scoring punch to any lineup.

But what exactly should the Sabres expect to get in return for him? Will this be a trade where they get some picks and prospects to build towards the future? Or will they be getting some players that can help the team finally end their 14-year playoff drought. The Sabres will certainly be looking for the latter, but that might not be what they get, especially when his restricted free agent status opens the door for an offer sheet, which will then make Buffalo’s decision for them.

Frank Seravalli talked about whether the Sabres’ should expect to get future assets or players to help the team now in exchange for Peterka on Daily Faceoff Live.

Frank Seravalli: It depends on which way you want to slice it. Are you more interested in grabbing a guy for the future knowing that, even if you’re able to squeak in this year, is anyone looking at you as an authentic contender?

What if a team like the Utah Mammoth or the Chicago Blackhawks or someone say “we’ll give you number three or four overall”? Are you jumping at that plus another package, something else that comes with it? Or are you going to go for someone like the Tampa Bay Lightning? Do you take some of the roster help that they have now, and take on whatever contracts they have, and try and pump up your team right in the here and now to make it?

I think they’re a very difficult trade partner because A) it’s hard to get Kevyn Adams to say yes on anything; and B) what’s the proper path moving forward? Future, blend, present? I don’t know.

You can watch the full episode here…