Former NHL enforcer pursues celebrities and substantial financial gains.
Sure thing, let me rephrase this for you in a simple, informal manner:
The 2023 NHL season gets underway in Europe, featuring a young German talent: JJ Peterka joins the Buffalo Sabres in Prague. At only 22 years old, the World Championship silver medalist is among the league's top forwards, keen to secure his first major contract.
You know, JJ Peterka has already sampled the Czech beers and knows to say "Na zdravi" for "cheers." He visited Prague in the summer for an NHL promotional video, hyping up the early European season start.
While in town, the youngster, whom everyone calls "JJ," didn't just down a few "Pivos" and leave a trail of ice, but he also received rousing applause from local Buffalo Sabres fans. The team tapped Peterka for this promotional tour, recognizing his rapid advancement. The Munich native, who received attention during a trip home for the SAP Garden's grand opening, has become a top scorer in the NHL.
The Sabres, who've missed the playoffs for 13 straight years, consider Peterka a crucial player. "They told me I'm a key part of the team they're building around me," Peterka shared. His third NHL season, set to commence in Prague against the New Jersey Devils (7 PM/Sky), is a pivotal one. It's about claiming his first significant payday as a World Championship silver medalist.
A Tick-off Propels his Career
Peterka's current contract, worth $832,500 this season, is coming to an end. A similar deal to his national teammate Moritz Seider, who signed with the Detroit Red Wings for seven years and $57 million, is within sight. After netting 28 goals and 50 points last season, Peterka has earned a spot on Buffalo's elite line for this term, with ample ice time and power play duties.
His growth has also been fueled by the national team, despite missing the Prague World Championships in May due to Germany's defeat to Switzerland at the quarters. Last year, Peterka was named the tournament's best forward and felt more appreciated in Buffalo afterward. "The change of coaches, teammates, and countries during the two World Championships has been instrumental in my development," he said. "Spending a month with the boys abroad helped me evolve as a person, too."
Born and raised in Munich, trained by the Red Bull Academy, and drafted by Buffalo in the second round in 2020, Peterka was often seen as the impulsive, creative kid who sometimes lacked seriousness. In 2023, German coach Harold Kreis benched him temporarily for not meeting his standards. "Looking back, I can definitely say it helped me," Peterka admitted, but he was quick to add, "It's crucial to have fun on and off the ice, as it makes everything easier and less stressful."
JJ Peterka's promotion to the Buffalo Sabres for the 2023 NHL season's European opener is a significant step in his career, as he aims to secure his first major contract with the league's top forwards. During his summer visit to Prague for an NHL promotional video, Peterka received a warm welcome from local Sabres fans, showing the team's faith in his abilities.
As the Sabres, who have missed the playoffs for 13 consecutive years, rely on Peterka as a crucial player in their rebuilding process, he is set to commence his third NHL season against the New Jersey Devils in Prague (7 PM/Sky). The end of Peterka's current contract, worth $832,500, coincides with his aim to secure a deal similar to Moritz Seider's, who signed with the Detroit Red Wings for seven years and $57 million.
