Despite staring at another season without the postseason, the Sabres have been playing well the last week. They have won three of the last four games and several players are making a case to be a part of the team for next season.
One player that may be turning the corner, is center Payton Krebs. Their last victory against the Boston Bruins, Krebs adding a power play goal and had four shots on goal during the 3-2 overtime victory.
In three of the last five games, he has won over 50% of his faceoffs, including 71.4% in the shootout win against the Vegas Golden Knights. Only the game against Vegas did Krebs not see over 14 minutes of ice time.
Peyton Krebs already has more points with 18 thus far in 2025, then he did all last season
His improved play may be a good reason for the Sabres to keep him. He has been rumored to be dealt the last few seasons but still has remained a part of the organization and lineup. As Buffalo looks toward the future, they can keep him for depth at center.
Krebs cap hit for next year is only 1.52%, after a hit 1.65% this season. With the cap hit going down, the Sabres could look to keep him around for either depth or a trade option next season.
The last two games for the team were in overtime and Krebs saw ice time in both
It demonstrates what head coach Lindy Ruff is seeing now in the 24-year-old center. If he continues to play well down the stretch, Ruff and company could want him apart of the Sabres plans next season.
Krebs spoke with reporters after the victory over the Bruins. “I just want to play for the team, play for wins, and it's nice to get rewarded by Lindy. Just trying to listen to what he has to say and build my game off that. Just trying to get better every day, have a lot of fun and keep it up.”
In addition to points last season, Krebs has improved in other areas. He has more hits with 111 compared to 108 last year and more blocks 25 compared to 23 than he did all of the last season.
With 17 games remaining, he has everything in front of him to prove to the Sabres and the rest of the NHL that he could a valuable asset to any team he is on. His power play goal on Monday night demonstrated that.