June 19, 2025 | 3:47pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

SABRES GM ACTIVE ON THE PHONE LINES

J.J. Peterka, forward

The Buffalo Sabres are burning up the phone lines as GM Kevyn Adams and his staff, which now includes Eric Staal and Jarmo Kekalainen, are actively looking to make moves and improve their roster going into the 2025-26 season.

Adams is believed to be engaged in talks with several teams about a number of his players, with the likes of pending restricted free agent winger J.J. Peterka and defenceman Bowen Byram at the forefront of discussions.

The Vancouver Canucks are believed to have interest in both players, while the likes of the New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay Lightning are among the other teams reportedly eyeing Peterka.

Peterka, 23, has voiced his disappointment while in Buffalo and is hoping for a change of scenery, and the Sabres appear to be trying to accommodate.

However, the Sabres are not interested in acquiring future assets for either Peterka or Byram and are trying to replace them with other assets that can help the team push for the post-season next season.

The Sabres will be looking to upgrade their roster, across the board, and may also be open to moving the ninth-overall pick in this month’s NHL Draft in exchange for a young, top-six NHL forward.