Five key takeways from the Kevyn Adams press conference

With talks surrounding JJ Peterka getting loud online and NHL Draft looming, Buffalo Sabres General Manger Kevyn Adams held a surprise press conference today at 1 Bills Drive.

Adams was joined by Director of Amateur Scouting Jerry Forton, and here are my five biggest takeways as we continue into the offseason.

1. Feels like JJ Peterka will be traded

Kevyn Adams was very open with Sabres beat reporters today, even apologizing to Sabres fans for the false online rumors saying the team looking to buyout defenseman Mattias Samuelsson. One rumor Adams did not squash was the team trading forward JJ Peterka.

https://twitter.com/NHLRumourReport/status/1936469165948502360

Adams did give some clues throughout his time talking that appears Peterka’s time in Buffalo will be done. One of the biggest one was him saying that he doesn’t believe in paying guys more money to make them happy to be in Buffalo.

Peterka is a restricted free agent, and there is no doubt (following the reports he is unhappy here) the Sabres would have to pay Peterka more than they want to keep him here. We all remember his palm tree press conference last year, but him double down and talking about it more feels like his answer to the looming Peterka question.

Adams also said they have had conversations with teams high up in the draft order, and the only real piece that makes sense to be moved there would be Peterka. Reports have picked up this week of Chicago being interested in the young German forward, but it is unknown what would be included with the third pick.

Now, a trade for Peterka would bring the Sabres back a haul in return, and if Adams truly believes in building a team around players who want to be here and be the change for this organization, it feels like a Peterka trade is on the horizon. But, if a deal isn’t made before the draft, we will see how contract talks go on July 1 and if any teams send Peterka an offer sheet. I know we are all tired of the Sabres being a feeder team for the rest of the league, and I want Peterka to stay, it just feels like he will be on the move.

The ball is in the Sabres court for Peterka, it just depends on how much Adams values guys wanting to be here, and what the market for Peterka looks like.

2. Don’t be shocked if the Sabres move up/down in draft

Adams said throughout the press conference that the whole league knows they are open to moving in the draft. While a trade involving Peterka would most likely see them acquire a pick in this draft, Adams appeared open to moves up or down in the draft.

Last season saw the Sabres move back three spots to draft Konsta Helenius and I can see the team moving up a similar amount of spots to get either defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson or Radim Mrtka (who Forton raved about at the end of the presser).

I would be shocked if the Sabres only pick once this draft and it’s at the #9 spot.

3. The front office feels more competent

A good chunk of the presser was spent talking about the additions of Jarmo Kekäläinen and Erik Staal. Adams talked more about the roles they are filling with Jarmo helping guide him, praising his experience, while Staals recent retirement will help with evaluating players.

The addition of Jarmo and Staal make the potential Peterka trade better for me. Jarmo has made countless big trades for the Blue Jacket organization, bringing in names like Patrik Laine, Artemi Panarin, and Sergei Bobrovsky. While Staal’s recent and tenured time in the league should help the Sabres bring in someone who can help the team right away.

It feels late to give Adams these training wheels, but at this point at least they are on.

4. Make or break for Ruff and coaching staff

Adams confirmed the same coaching staff, that led the Sabres to a 36-39-7 record in their first year, will be back for another try. We heard rumors of management not letting Ruff get his own guys last year, but the Sabres GM reiterated over and over that Ruff has direct input on his staff and chose to keep this coaching crew together.

With that being the case, and fans already angry, it is obviously a make or break year for this coaching crew.

If this team flounders yet again, I have no idea how you could even think about running it back yet again.

5. This will be a different Adams offseason than we are used to

All of these decisions from Adams seems like a man who knows (I hope) his job in on the line if things go poorly yet again for the Sabres. He brought on help he should have had from Day 1, and it feels like he is being aggressive on the trade market with his players and picks.

Adams gets a lot of flack for not making timely moves, but this year feels different to me. He feels engaged and on the offensive. Compared to the big Eichel deal, the Sabres are in control with the Peterka situation, and have plenty of prospects at their disposal.

We have three days until the draft, and all eyes will be on GM Kevyn Adams and what he decides to do with JJ Peterka.

2 Responses

  1. Shameful beyond shameful… I think we’ve heard this all before. Just the names have changed. Silly question that’s never been posted here, why did the Sabres even sell their jerseys in the Sabre store with names on them quite unfair to the fans that put out the big money