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  Position: Center
Shoots: Right

Height: 5'11"
Weight: 185
Birth Date: 3-26-74
Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario
Jersey Number:
27
Compensation: $1,475,000



The Finesse Game
In street clothes and with his glasses on, Peca looks like a librarian. Don't judge this book by its cover. Peca is a strong, sure skater who plays every shift as if a pink slip will be waiting on the bench if he slacks off. He's good with the puck but not overly creative. He just reads offensive plays well and does a lot of the little things, especially when forechecking, that create turnovers and scoring chances. His goals come from his quickness and his effort. He challenges anyone for the puck. Although Peca is known for his dogged defensive play, he is intelligent enough to be a useful offensive player. The Sabres skate him on their power-play unit. His hustle and attitude have earned him his NHL job, and league-wide respect. Peca thinks the game well and can be used in all situations. Peca is at his worst offensively when he has too much time to think. He creates breakaway chances with his reads and anticipation but seldom converts. He is smart about disrupting plays and knows what to do once he gains control of the puck.

The Physical Game
Peca plays much bigger than his size. He's gritty and honest, and is always trying to add more weight. He has a tough time even keeping an extra five pounds on, and the Sabres have to be cautious about overplaying him. He also had a little trouble coming back from his knee injury late in the season. He's among the best open-ice hitters in the league. Peca is able to launch successful strikes against bigger players because of his timing, balance and leg strength. He will also drop the gloves and go after even the biggest foe. He is prickly and in-your-face, though opponents are less impressed with his diving skills.

The Intangibles
Peca is an ideal third-line player. Although he lacks the size to match up with some of the league's bigger forwards, he is tireless in his pursuit and effort. He adds energy to the lineup. That deal for Alexander Mogilny looked so lopsided in Vancouver's favour in 1995, but the Sabres got a player who cares and shows up every night. Can't say the same for the Canucks.

Projection
We predicted 40 points and a Selke nomination for Peca last season and will say the same again.



Season Team/League GP G A TP PIM +/- PP SH GW GT Shots Pct
1990-91 SUDB/OHL 62 14 27 41 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
1991-92 OT67/OHL 27 8 17 25 32 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
1991-92 SUDB/OHL 39 16 34 50 61 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
1992-93 HAMI/AHL 9 6 3 9 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
1992-93 OT67/OHL 55 38 64 102 80 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
1993-94 OT67/OHL 55 50 63 113 101 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
1993-94 VANC/NHL 4 0 0 0 2 -1 0 0 0 0 5 0.00
1994-95 SYRA/AHL 35 10 24 34 75 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
1994-95 VANC/NHL 33 6 6 12 30 -6 2 0 1 1 46 13.04
1995-96 BUFF/NHL 68 11 20 31 67 -1 4 3 1 0 109 10.09
1996-97 BUFF/NHL 79 20 29 49 80 26 5 6 4 0 137 14.60
1997-98 BUFF/NHL 61 18 22 40 57 12 6 5 1 1 132 13.64
1998-99 BUFF/NHL 82 27 29 56 81 7 10 0 8 1 199 13.57
NHL TOT 327 82 106 188 317 37 27 14 15 3 628