The Buffalo Sabres' trade of JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth created a massive void on the wing, and general manager Kevyn Adams didn't acquire another top-six forward to fill it. So, perhaps it's not a surprise the team rated poorly in the 2025 NHL summer talent rankings for wingers.
TSN's Travis Yost released the rankings on Monday, with the Sabres landing in Tier 4. Only three teams were rated below them in Tier 5: the Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks. (Teams are listed alphabetically in each tier.)
"Colour me concerned this team can adequately replace the loss of JJ Peterka, who I anticipate will have a monster year with Utah," Yost wrote.