NHL Trade Rumors: Blackhawks Discussed Blockbuster Trade With Sabres

Thursday, June 26, 2025 ,
Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka celebrates during 2025 game.

The Chicago Blackhawks made a strong push to acquire Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka, reportedly offering their No. 3 overall pick in this week’s NHL Draft, but the deal didn’t gain traction. 

According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Blackhawks floated the top-three selection in discussions with Buffalo, hoping to land the 23-year-old winger after his breakout 68-point season. But the Sabres weren't biting. They were focused on acquiring immediate NHL-ready talent, as seen in their trade with Utah Mammoth, not draft picks, as they aim to end their 14-year playoff drought. 

Sabres Held Firm, Wanted NHL-Ready Help

The trade discussions hit a wall because the Sabres, according to multiple insiders, were seeking a right-shot defenseman or a similarly impactful roster player in return, not futures.

Chicago's Trade Hopes May Have to Wait

While Peterka seemed like an ideal fit alongside Connor Bedard in Chicago’s growing young core, the Blackhawks simply don’t have the NHL-ready pieces Buffalo was after. Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy were floated as possible trade chips, but neither fits the Sabres’ needs. 

Instead, the Sabres struck a deal with the Mammoth, sending Peterka to Utah in exchange for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan. This fits with what the Sabres have been insisting they wanted in return all along.

Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

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