Trade speculation continues to ramp up ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, with another blockbuster potentially in the works. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Boston Bruins and Utah Mammoth are actively discussing a trade involving forward JJ Peterka.
Friedman reported Friday that the two clubs are “working on a JJ Peterka deal,” though he cautioned that discussions remain ongoing and nothing has been finalized.
Shortly after Friedman’s report, Pierre LeBrun added another layer to the developing story, revealing that Boston has already agreed to send significant draft capital to Utah. According to LeBrun, the Bruins are sending their 2026 first-round pick and the Florida Panthers’ 2028 first-round pick, with the latter carrying top-10 protection. While the full trade package has yet to be confirmed, the reported picks indicate Boston is willing to pay a premium to land Peterka.
Peterka joined the Mammoth last summer in a major trade with the Buffalo Sabres and signed a five-year contract extension shortly after arriving in Utah. While he showed flashes of the offensive skill that made him one of the league’s premier young wingers, his first season with the Mammoth was inconsistent, leading to speculation that Utah could be willing to explore moving him for the right return.
For Boston, acquiring Peterka would represent a significant addition to its retooling roster. At just 24 years old, he brings elite skating, top-six scoring ability, and long-term cost certainty—qualities the Bruins have been searching for as they reshape their forward group.
From Utah’s perspective, any move involving Peterka would likely require a substantial package in return. General manager Bill Armstrong has consistently emphasized building for sustained success, meaning the Mammoth would likely seek NHL-ready talent along with premium draft capital if they choose to part with one of their most skilled forwards.
With the draft underway and trade activity accelerating, this is a situation worth monitoring closely. If a deal comes together, it could become one of the biggest moves of the offseason.
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