Sabres Signed Matthew Peca to Tryout Deal
The 33-year-old forward has joined the Buffalo Sabres training camp on a professional tryout contract.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Hockey
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The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Matthew Peca to a professional tryout contract. The 33-year-old left-shot center is currently participating in the team’s training camp.
Why it matters
This move provides the organization with additional depth as they evaluate their roster options for the upcoming season. If Peca remains with the organization, he is expected to join the AHL Rochester Americans.
Matthew Peca is a 33-year-old left-shot center standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 180 pounds. He was originally selected 201st overall in the 2011 NHL Draft.
The players
Matthew Peca
He is a 33-year-old veteran forward who has played for multiple NHL franchises.
Buffalo Sabres
This is a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo that competes in the National Hockey League.
Michael Peca
He is a former standout player for the Buffalo Sabres who achieved international success with an Olympic gold medal.
The details
Peca previously played in the NHL for the Lightning, Canadiens, Senators, and Blues. While his surname is the same as former Sabres star Michael Peca, the two players are not related.
Timeline
Matthew Peca was selected 201st overall in the 2011 NHL Draft.
Michael Peca scored 27 goals for the Sabres during the 1998-99 season.
Michael Peca won an Olympic gold medal in 2002.
Matthew Peca made his NHL debut in 2016-17.
Matthew Peca signed his professional tryout contract in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
This signing reflects the standard roster balancing acts teams perform to ensure adequate depth for both the NHL and AHL levels. By evaluating veteran talent during camp, the Sabres look to solidify their competitive standing within the division.
Peca’s addition to the camp provides immediate depth at the center position for the organization. His potential assignment to the Rochester Americans serves to bolster the farm team's veteran presence for the upcoming season.
The takeaway
Professional tryout contracts allow teams to assess veteran talent without committing to full-season salaries early in the cycle. Fans should monitor camp performance to see if Peca secures a permanent role or helps elevate the AHL depth chart.
Further reading
For more on roster moves and team updates, visit Buffalo Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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