With GM Don Waddell less than two weeks away from free agency, the NHL's hot stove is starting to heat up, and Columbus seems to be in the mix. At least that's what the rumors say.
On Thursday, TheFourthPeriod.com reported that the Columbus Blue Jackets were one of a few teams who have contacted Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams about German forward J.J. Peterka. Peterka is a pending RFA.
"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," the Fourth Period reports.
It's also been reported that Peterka is unhappy in Buffalo and wants a change of scenery.
The site also reports that the Sabres aren't interested in picks or futures, but rather players who can step in help the Sabres to the postseason for the first time since 2011.
Peterka is going into his fourth pro season, and has been pretty good so far. Last season, he played in 77 games, had 27 goals and totaled a career high 68 points. He also had 18 power play points and three GWG. For his young career, he has 67 goals, and 150 points in 238 games.
So what would Buffalo want for Peterka?
The Jackets have picks 14 and 20 in the upcoming draft, but knowing the Sabres want players instead of picks, that probably won't work. You have to think that a deal to get Peterka to Columbus would start with Cole Sillinger.
Sillinger is going into fifth year already, which seems crazy to me. The young Columbus-born center has played in 286 NHL games, scored 43 goals, and has totaled 107 points.
Surely it would take more than Sillinger to land Peterka, so what else would they require? Remember who else is in Buffalo - Jarmo Kekäläinen. Kekäläinen rarely misses on trades, and he knows who the Jackets have from top to bottom.
Might Jordan Harris or Luca Del Bel Belluz get added to the deal to get it done?
One things for sure, Don Waddell is not going to sit by and watch all the available players around the league get traded without him doing his due dilligence.
Expect more rumors and speculation during the NHL's silly season.
Let us know what you think below.
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