The Boston Bruins have acquired winger Pavel Peterka in a high-profile trade, with general manager Don Sweeney confirming the move shortly after the NHL draft’s first round concluded late Wednesday night. The deal marks the Bruins’ second trade of the day, following the exchange of forward Brett Berard to Montreal for defenseman William Trudeau.

Peterka, a 24-year-old German forward, appeared in all 82 games for the Utah Mammoth during the 2025-26 season, producing 25 goals and 22 assists for 47 points. He has reached the 25-goal mark in each of the past three seasons, including career-best totals of 27 goals and 41 assists in 2024-25 with the Buffalo Sabres, and 28 goals and 22 assists in 2023-24. Over his NHL career spanning 320 games, Peterka has accumulated 92 goals and 105 assists for 197 points. His international experience is extensive, having represented Germany in three IIHF World Championships and two World Junior Championships, and competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

Sweeney emphasized Peterka’s scoring ability and versatility, noting the winger’s “elite shot” and potential role on the Bruins’ power play, an opportunity Peterka reportedly did not receive consistently with Utah. “He plays both wings and can play with a couple of different types of centers,” Sweeney said. “He can drive a line but also complement the better guys.” The Bruins hope the acquisition will boost their speed and offensive depth.

Standing 6-foot and weighing 189 pounds, Peterka was originally acquired by Utah last year from Buffalo after the Sabres declined to meet his salary demands following his entry-level contract. The Mammoth signed him to a five-year deal worth $7.7 million on average annually. Boston now holds his rights under a four-year cost-controlled contract comparable in value to that of center Elias Lindholm, whom the Bruins signed to a seven-year arrangement in 2024.

The Bruins have not ruled out further roster adjustments despite the constraints the Peterka trade places on their salary cap. Sweeney addressed speculation surrounding forward Viktor Arvidsson’s future, stating, “Maybe it makes it more challenging [to keep him], or I may have to look at moving something else — but I would not say categorically we are out.” The GM also indicated plans to announce a new front office hire in the coming days, seeking to add new perspectives following the recent departure of Jamie Langenbrunner.

Separately, reports that former Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams would join Boston’s front office have not been confirmed by Sweeney, who did acknowledge consulting Adams on the Peterka acquisition. Adams was dismissed by Buffalo during the Sabres’ strong run to a division title; despite his roster-building contributions, he was absent from postseason activities after Buffalo ousted Boston in the first playoff round.

With the addition of Peterka and recent moves, the Bruins are signaling an intent to enhance their scoring punch and competitive depth as they head into the new season.