The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Die By The Blade community. It was a combination of staff writers and over 200 readers that ranked Buffalo Sabres players under the age of 25 as of August 1, 2024. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production to rank each player. Staff votes counted equally with reader votes.
JJ Peterka
Drafted: 2020 – 2nd Round (34th Overall)
Position: Left Wing
Born: January 14th, 2002 – 22 Years Old
2023-2024 stats: NHL – 82 GP – 28-22-50, World Championships (Germany) – 8 GP – 5-4-9
2023 T25U25 Ranking: #7
JJ Peterka took a significant step forward in his development last season. He built upon his good rookie season with an excellent sequel. He set career highs in games, goals, assists, and points. His 50 points were good for 4th on Buffalo. As the season progressed, his play forced himself onto the first line with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch. He will likely resume that role to start this season as he looks to take another step forward.
Peterka’s talent has been apparent since he was drafted. He’s one of the faster players in the league with hands that can keep up. His speed puts pressure on opposing defenses, and often leads to breakaway opportunities. The most impactful development last season was that Peterka proved he can be a consistent NHL scorer. He increased his goal total from 12 in his rookie year to 28 and was only one goal behind Thompson for the team lead last year.
Peterka may lack the two-way game of Tuch or fellow 2020 draft pick Jack Quinn, but his dynamic offensive game gives the Sabres needed weapon. His game is reminiscent of early 2000’s Maxim Afinogenov. With any luck, Lindy Ruff will be able to bring out the best of Peterka. For Buffalo to make the playoffs, he will need to continue his upward trajectory as he goes from promising prospect to one of the teams’ key offensive pieces.
2024 Buffalo Sabres Top 25 Under 25
#25: Adam Kleber
#24: Tyson Kozak
#23: Maxim Štrbák
#22: Prokhor Poltapov
#21: Aleksandr Kisakov
#20: Viktor Neuchev
#19: Vsevolod Komarov
#18: Nikita Novikov
#17: Anton Wahlberg
#16 Isak Rosén
#15 Peyton Krebs
#14: Noah Östlund
#13: Konsta Helenius
#12: Ryan Johnson
#11: Ryan McLeod
#10: Mattias Samuelsson
#9: Jiri Kulich
#8: Devon Levi
#7: Zach Benson
#6: Bowen Byram
#5: Owen Power
#4: Jack Quinn