The Buffalo Sabres may be struggling, but they’ve taken the long view, the right view, on rebuilding the organization.
One key contributor to the Buffalo Sabres rebuilding efforts is a player who made a name for himself with the Rochester Americans earlier this season. Peyton Krebs appeared in 16 games with the Amerks, and he proved worthy of a chance on the team’s main roster with 14 points in 16 games.
Krebs is now making a name for himself as a key component to the Sabres roster, with five points, three goals, and a 21.4% shot percentage. while averaging 16.5 minutes of ice time. Krebs, 21, is a former first-round pick of the Vegas Golden Knights who arrived in Buffalo with Alex Tuch as part of the Jack Eichel trade.
Buffalo Sabres center gaining momentum
Krebs’ blend of speed and recent playmaking ability has locked him into the team’s top six, and it appears he’s only gaining relevance. One reason he could never showcase his skills in Vegas came from being part of an already-talented roster, and he ended up playing just 13 games with the Knights at the NHL level.
He also spent seven games with their AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights, and he played 24 games with the WHL’s Winnipeg Ice, in which he dominated with 43 points. Contribution-wise, Krebs is also seen a versatile player with the Sabres, also seeing time at left-wing besides center. He’s also performed well enough to become part of the power play’s top line.
The Sabres are also impressed with the way Krebs handles his game. Arriving in Buffalo with a pass-first mentality, he has since attempted more shots on goal, with 11 in his last six appearances as opposed to just three in his first five.
Like Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson, Krebs is yet another player head coach Don Granato had watched and immediately tackled weaknesses in their play. Besides taking more shots and putting together remarkable assists, Krebs has also improved his defense, showing a knack for spotting loose pucks and putting himself in prime position to produce anytime a teammate creates a turnover.
Krebs is still young and he’s got ways to go in his development. But the improvement he’s shown under Granato is undeniable and his stock will only improve.