JJ Peterka being traded to the Utah Mammoth may be the best-case scenario for the NY Islanders

One of the big dominoes circulating the trade rumor mill fell last night, as the Utah Mammoth acquired JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring.

When word first came out that Peterka was headed to Salt Lake City, the belief was that the No. 4 overall pick would be heading to Western New York, but the Mammoth were able to retain the pick.

Today, Renaud Lavoie of TVA reported that Utah is receiving calls from multiple teams interested in the fourth overall pick, with the Mammoth wanting an active player in return.

Utah could turn to the NY Islanders after acquring Peterka

Already landing Peterka and with a hole on the right side of their blue line after Kesselring’s departure, could Utah be keen on acquiring Noah Dobson’s services from the NY Islanders in exchange for the pick?

With reports that Dobson’s camp is looking for $11M annually on a new contract, Mathieu Darche and ownership are likely unwilling to meet such a demand. If they’re unable to find a middle ground, there’s a strong possibility Dobson could be moved tomorrow.

In a new city with an enthusiastic owner in Ryan Smith, the Mammoth are looking to get back into the playoff contention sooner than later, and bringing in two players of Peterka and Dobson’s caliber could assist in bringing Utah its first postseason appearance. 

After signing Peterka to an extension, Utah has just under $15M in cap space remaining - plenty to get Dobson extended long-term.

As for the Islanders, they are reportedly hoping to acquire another high draft pick in order to select James Hagens. Hagens' affinity for the Islanders is well known, growing up in Hauppauge, and this could be the Islanders' opportunity to bring him home.