With the trade deadline looming, the New York Rangers are doing their due diligence on a few players. However, Frank Seravalli reports that the Blueshirts have intensified their efforts on Buffalo Sabres forward J.J. Peterka before the deadline. If Chris Drury is able to get this deal over the line, it would be one of the best efforts of his renovation of the Rangers, but there is nothing imminent. This kind of trade could kick the Rangers into gear, depending on the price.
Keep an eye on #NYR on Friday.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 7, 2025
Sources indicate Rangers have had “advanced discussions” with #Sabrehood on forward JJ Peterka. Let’s see where it goes.
From @SportsOnPrimeCA:pic.twitter.com/EX5OxGi88j
Peterka currently has 18 goals and 31 assists for 49 points, and he's been one of the bright spots on a Sabres roster that continues to disappoint. At 23, the best days of his career lay ahead of him, but the Munich, Germany native remains a player who could help the Rangers in the meantime, too. He's only getting better, and getting him into a team with great talents like J.T. Miller, Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox would be a great way to give him leadership.
I have concerns about the price. If there are concrete talks, I wonder if this includes forward Alexis Lafreniere since the ask has always been a bright, young forward back for the Sabres, but the Rangers are looking for another fresh face. Can Chris Drury and Kevyn Adams get this over the line and make another move to shake the hockey world? Adams is no stranger to trading star players, so it could be worth watching.
People close to the New York Rangers, such as Arthur Staple of the Athletic, confirm there is nothing imminent right now, but there are reports from insiders like Renaud Lavoie of TVA in Quebec saying it could be soon. It seems New York likes this player, and we'll see where it leads, but it gives fans a story to follow going into the trade deadline.