Playmaking growth solidifies John-Jason Peterka's top prospect status

The NHL 2020 NHL Draft was a landmark for German hockey. They had two players selected inside the first round for the first time ever: Tim Stützle and Lukas Reichel.

John-Jason Peterka should’ve been the third.

The Buffalo Sabres probably aren’t complaining. They traded up four spots to land Peterka early in the second round.

At the time, the forward prospect demonstrated NHL-calibre shooting and finishing ability, bolstered by even better off-puck instincts and timing around the net. A skilled handler, he sliced through defenders in open-ice and played keep-away along the boards. 

And, of course, his motor was incredible: It wasn’t just unrelenting, but his energy allowed him to win pucks that few players could. 

However, Peterka wasn’t much of a playmaker beyond a few spurts. He took too many low-percentage shots and his single-speed, rush-the-net-at-all-costs attacks caused him to miss teammates in far better positions than himself.