Buffalo Sabres: Predicting Peyton Krebs’ 2022-23 Season (Growth)

Buffalo Sabres winger Peyton Krebs is one of the team’s most versatile players. A mere prospect last year, Krebs may come into his own in 2022. 

Peyton Krebs was one of a few revelations for the Buffalo Sabres last season. Arriving as part of the Jack Eichel Trade, it wasn’t long until Krebs earned a permanent position on the Sabres roster, scoring 22 times in 48 games.

A high-energy player, Krebs could find himself on the checking line or even the fourth line. Or, because his scoring is likely to improve this season, he could wind up lining up in the top six. Krebs’ versatility also gives him the opportunity to play center or winger.

Overall, expect Krebs to see varying ice time. And depending on how head coach Don Granato shapes the lineup on any given night, don’t expect to see Krebs playing in one spot for too long. Instead, this jack-of-all-trades forward will go where he’s needed.

Peyton Krebs may give the Buffalo Sabres non-stat sheet production

Points-wise, I got ultra gutsy when I made a bold prediction for Krebs, stating he’d hit 50 points (15-20 goals) with a 16.5% shooting percentage. Realistically, Krebs may not be responsible for too many scores, but instead, he could be a distraction for opponents, and responsible for reclaiming possession of the puck.

This will lead to scoring opportunities and prevent scoring from opponents. Last season, Krebs’ on ice Save Percentage (oiSV%) sat at 89.2%. Not the best total, but a far cry better than what he generated in Vegas.

Krebs’ Corsi For and Fenwick For percentages were both above 50%, and you can expect increases there, too. So while Krebs may not reach the 50-point mark I made in my bold predictions piece, I can at least see him playing a major role as to why opponents won’t score on the Sabres the same way they did last season.

I can also see him driving the puck up-ice and finding an open teammate who will help set up scoring opportunities. This will prove Krebs’ value, even if he doesn’t find the back of the net or get credited with an assist often.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)