The Winnipeg Jets are heading into this offseason with a lot of questions about their forward group, especially with Nikolaj Ehlers’ contract situation still up in the air. So… what if Ehlers doesn’t stay? What’s the next move?

According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, one name to keep an eye on is Buffalo Sabres left winger JJ Peterka — who just so happens to be the top name on his list of offseason trade targets.

“There may be no better player available, period, on the trade market this summer – let alone one of Peterka’s age at 23, already a top-line producer… Buffalo may have less choice now with a potential offer sheet waiting on the other end of July 1,” said Seravalli.

Peterka is coming off a huge season — 27 goals, 41 assists for 68 points in 77 games. That’s on a Sabres team that missed the playoffs for the 14th straight year. The kid knows how to score. He’s got a deadly release, loves the big moments, and isn’t afraid to go into the corners to get the puck. He does need to bulk up a bit and work on his playmaking, but the raw talent is already there.

So what would Peterka bring to the Jets?

He’d be a major boost at 5-on-5 and could become a real weapon on the power play. Slot him next to a guy like Kyle Connor or Cole Perfetti, and he’s going to find space to unleash that shot. At just 23 years old, producing the way he is on a struggling Sabres team — that’s the kind of upside any team would jump at.

And while Buffalo’s front office has publicly said they’re not looking to move him, the feeling around the league is that a trade might be inevitable unless contract talks take a serious turn.

Of course, this all hinges on what the Jets want to do with their own young talent. Nikita Chibrikov could be ready for full-time NHL action next season. If that’s the case, things could get crowded up front — unless the Jets opt to keep him down with the Moose a little longer.

But if Ehlers is out, Peterka is absolutely a name that should be on Chevy’s radar. He’s young, skilled, and already making an impact — and he checks a lot of boxes for what the Jets need in their top six.