Buffalo Sabres fans weren't thrilled late Wednesday night when news emerged that they were traded JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth.
The return, 23-year old forward Josh Doan and 25-year old defenseman Michael Kesselring, wasn't bad. But it felt like another case of the Sabres trading a talented young player for no great reason.
Then, a video emerged on X. And it changed all the vibes.
Here's a look at Kesselring gliding right past Peterka and dishing out a sweet assist:
Michael Kesselring walking JJ Peterka pic.twitter.com/EUXvUEmhot
— Jonah (@TSR_Jonah) June 26, 2025
MORE: Mammoth trade for JJ Peterka, immediately give him big extension
Sure, it's just one play. But that should make Sabres fans feel a bit better.
Kesselring is more established at the NHL level. He's a strong two-way defenseman.
Whether or not Doan pans out might determine the overall grade of this trade.
But in a very direct comparison, the defenseman Kesselring showed how his offensive zone play can be better than a forward who might be tasked with stopping him.
If he does that for the Sabres, this might work out just fine.
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