Bruins trade two first-round picks to Utah for JJ Peterka

The Boston Bruins acquired forward JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth on Friday, June 26, 2026, in a draft-night trade that sends two first-round picks to Utah. The Bruins gave up the 23rd overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft and a top-10 protected first-round pick in 2028, originally acquired from the Florida Panthers.

Peterka, a 24-year-old German winger, is signed through the 2029-30 season at an annual salary cap hit of $7.7 million. He joins a Bruins team seeking more speed and scoring after finishing fourth in the Atlantic Division and losing in the first round of the playoffs last season. In his lone year with Utah, Peterka recorded 25 goals and 22 assists in 82 games, a dip from his 68-point campaign with the Buffalo Sabres in the 2024-25 season.

The trade addresses a stated offseason priority for Bruins management to add dynamic offensive talent. Peterka is expected to compete for a top-six role, potentially slotting in on a line with star forward David Pastrnak. His arrival could impact the status of veteran winger Viktor Arvidsson, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

For the Mammoth, the deal continues a roster retooling. The team now holds two...