The Boston Bruins took a huge risk this offseason by trading two first-round picks for JJ Peterka (someone who has never been an All-Star or finalist for any award) from the Utah Mammoth. Many considered this to be an overpay (it might have even been the general consensus), but early on, it's paying off for Boston.
Peterka has looked incredible with the Bruins so far. Even though it's early (we are only four games into the season), the German native has already scored two goals (including an incredible game-winner on opening night against the Winnipeg Jets), and he's proving to everybody that maybe Boston was right to trade for him, even if it was a steep price.
JJ Peterka can be a legitimate asset to the Bruins
The Bruins traded for Peterka to upgrade their scoring depth (he scored at least 25 goals in each of his previous three seasons; Boston had four players score 25 or more goals last season -- Morgan Geekie, Pavel Zacha, David Pastrňák, and Viktor Arvidsson, who is now with the Detroit Red Wings), and most importantly, their transition speed.
Peterka is one of the speediest players in the NHL right now, and for a Bruins team that has mostly struggled as a transition team, he provides a ton of value and addresses one of their biggest weaknesses.
Plus, Peterka is still only 24 years old and is only in the second year of his five-year, $38.5 million contract. Not only can he help move the needle for the Bruins right now (which is especially important, given that they have playoff aspirations), but he can also be a long-term asset.
Boston took a risk by giving up so much for Peterka, but there's no denying that he has so much talent, and he is on an upward trajectory; he should only continue to get better from here on out. And instead of banking on one of their draft picks to develop and become a legitimate contributor down the line, the Bruins are opting to make an immediate splash that can pay dividends in the long run.
Only time will tell whether this risk pays off for Boston, but right now, fans should feel good about what Peterka has shown. He has already begun making his impact, and given what he has to offer, he should help the Bruins become an even more well-rounded team.
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