Don Sweeney Explains Bruins Decision Trade For JJ Peterka In NESN Interview

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Don Sweeney Explains Bruins Decision Trade For JJ Peterka In NESN Interview originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Bruins made the first splash of the 2026 NHL Draft when they elected to bow out of the first-round festivities and trade their pick to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for 24-year-old winger JJ Peterka.

NESN reporter Sophia Jurksztowicz spoke to Bruins general manager Don Sweeney one-on-one after the first round to discuss the decision.

"We've addressed the fact that we wanted to continue to add speed and skill to our lineup," Sweeney told Jurksztowicz. "He has goal-scoring ability, plays both wings, has got a power play element that gives us a left (handed) stick in a shooting position."

Sweeney went on to say that Peterka's experience at just 24-years-old is a big reason he brought him here.

"JJ's played at the highest level in the highest lines and he's already produced," Sweeney said.

"We're trying to make sure that we find guys in the age band that can help drive lines and complement our top-end players -- and all the other players that we've been adding to the group over the last few years."

#NHLBruins GM Don Sweeney discusses the Peterka trade & rest of the draft with @sjurksztowicz

"[Peterka] has goalscoring ability, plays both wings... we're trying to make sure we find guys in the age band that can help drive lines and complement our top end players..." pic.twitter.com/wYJ3iTD4zb

— NESN (@NESN) June 27, 2026

Peterka was drafted in 2020, but has been playing starter-like minutes for the last four seasons. He is expected to immediately assume a role as a second-line winger in 2026-27.

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