Get to know JJ Peterka, the Sabres' 2nd-round pick

John-Jason Peterka - or JJ, as he will become known to Buffalo Sabres fans - admitted to feeling slight disappointment as the first round of the NHL Draft passed without hearing his name called Tuesday.
That disappointment was replaced by elation by the time Peterka met with the Buffalo media Wednesday, shortly after the Sabres selected him with the 34th pick. The Sabres moved up to ensure they got him, sending pick Nos. 38 and 100 to San Jose.
"I would say it's a pretty good feeling that they show you they trust in you and they really want you," Peterka said. "I'm really, really excited."

The Sabres continued to stockpile offensive talent with the selection of Peterka,
who joins 52-goal scorer Jack Quinn
as their second pick of the draft. Peterka lit up the U19 ranks in Czechia two seasons ago, amassing 45 goals and 94 points in 48 games.

He refined those abilities against stronger competition last season, most of which was spent playing against men in German's top pro league. He learned how to get to the net against stronger players, skills he felt translated against the best in his age group at the 2020 World Junior Championship.
Peterka led Germany with four goals in seven games at the tournament, playing on a roster that also featured third-overall pick Tim Stutzle.

"I think it's a really big part of my game and I really like it," Peterka said of his net-front ability.
NHL Central Scouting Services ranked Peterka seventh among draft-eligible European skaters and cited Florida Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau as his NHL comparable. NHL.com's Guillaume Lepage had Peterka being selected in the first round in his most recent mock draft.
"The dynamic forward impressed the 2020 WJC, leading Germany with four goals in seven games," Lepage wrote. "In a more limited role in the DEL, Peterka (5-11, 192) showcased his explosive skating stride."
Peterka describes himself as an offensive player who can affect games both with his goal scoring and his passing. Asked about making the jump to the NHL, he offered high expectations.
"It depends on how I progress and how I develop, but my goal is for sure to play as soon as possible in the NHL and help the Buffalo Sabres win a Stanley Cup," he said.