On June 25, 2025, the Utah Mammoth swung for the fences by acquiring JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres. To get the young winger, the Mammoth departed with fan favorite Josh Doan. In a previous article, the Lead discussed which team won that trade. It’s safe to say Buffalo did. Doan went on to have an incredible season, helping the Sabres in a deep playoff run.
Peterka did put up good regular-season numbers but disappeared in the playoffs. In exit interviews, Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong seemed fine with bringing the winger back. However, on Draft Day, the Mammoth dealt Peterka to the Boston Bruins for two first-round picks. With new ammo obtained, the Mammoth used one of those picks to acquire goalkeeper Sebastian Cossa.
Replacing a Scorer
Though Peterka didn’t perform up to his potential in Utah, he still produced enough points to help the Mammoth reach the playoffs. The center ranked fourth on the team in goals scored (25) and sixth in assists (22) last season. 47 points is not easy to make up, so the Mammoth will need another player to step up and take his place–especially with the front office setting the goal of making the playoffs again.
Free agency and training camp give the Mammoth a few options for replacing Peterka’s production.
Vincent Trocheck
Having Western teams on his no-trade list, Vincent Trocheck seemed destined for an Eastern contender. However, he changed his mind and accepted a trade to Utah. The Olympic gold medalist brings a seasoned veteran presence to the team. Known for his physical game, Trocheck brings much-needed toughness. A trait the Mammoth sometimes lacked in the playoffs.
With 37 assists, 16 goals, totaling 53 points, Trocheck overshadowed Peterka’s production (47) last season. Besides offensive stats, the center helps on the defensive end. He ranked second on the New York Rangers in hits and third in takeaways.
Anders Lee
After 14 seasons with the New York Islanders, Anders Lee finally moves on to a new team. According to reports, Lee picked Utah over potential contender Minnesota Wild. Lee brings steady leadership to the young Mammoth locker room. Having captained the Islanders for many years, Lee can help coach up prospects like Tij Iginla if they make the roster.
The veteran also towers over his opponents at 6-foot-3. This provides the Mammoth with another physical option for both offense and defense. Much like Trocheck, Lee is a bruiser on the ice when it comes to winning back the puck. Plus, Lee scored 42 points this past season, putting him on par with Peterka’s regular-season production.
Tij Iginla
The most interesting replacement for Peterka is Iginla. Now in his fifth year in the WHL, Iginla looks poised to make the leap to the NHL this upcoming season. With training camp only weeks away, he’ll get his chance. Goal scoring comes naturally to Iginla. In 57 games with the Kelowna Rockets this season, Iginla tallied 48 goals, seven of which were scored in the playoffs.
Much like Trocheck, he helps others score. Iginla garnered over 54 assists, helping his team reach the second round of the WHL playoffs. However, they lost quickly in the second round to the Everett Silvertips. Though their season ended in heartbreak, Iginla’s 102-point season propelled the Rockets’ fun year.
If the center’s skills transition to the NHL game, the Mammoth could have a superstar on their hands.
Is the Risk Worth the Reward?
On paper, the additions of Trocheck and Lee more than make up for Peterka’s production. Both players can get you at least 20 goals per year, and more assists to back it up. There is one caveat, however. Both players are aging out of their prime, which means their games might taper off. In the sports industry, Father Time can be cruel. At some point, even the greatest of players have to hang up their jersey.
At 24 years old, Peterka still has a lot of time to grow in his career. Though he didn’t fit in with the Mammoth system, he matched the team’s timeline better than Trocheck and Lee. If their game does drop off, Iginla can take their place. However, the young center has no NHL experience whatsoever. This pales in comparison to Peterka, who has a year of playoff experience under his belt.
Different Looking Mammoth
The Mammoth are entering into a new era of competitive hockey. For all the help he provided the Mammoth, JJ Peterka’s skills and personality didn’t fit in with the Mammoth players and staff. It’s sad to see him go, but the new players coming in have a chance at making the Mammoth formidable. For Mammoth fans’ sake, let’s just hope this swing for the fences isn’t another strikeout.
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