The Buffalo Sabres have been trying to build chemistry within their new first line: Tage Thompson, Josh Norris and Zach Benson. With Benson out of the lineup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, it was Peyton Krebs who filled out the trio.
Norris was impressed with Krebs, who's frequently found himself as a target of criticism in recent years for a severe lack of NHL offensive production.
"He's a really good player, 200 feet," Norris told reporters after Buffalo's 5-3 preseason loss to the Pens. "Another centreman out there so another way to cheat on draws if you have to, just little things like that. He's super easy to play with."
Krebs may get another opportunity to join the top line in the preseason finale, a rematch with the Penguins on Friday, as Benson nurses an undisclosed injury.
Peyton Krebs praised by Josh Norris as he may get thrust into key role to open the Buffalo Sabres' 2025-26 season
Although there weren't a ton of positives from Wednesday night's contest for Buffalo, in large part because the injury-riddled defense struggled to limit chances, the line of Krebs, Norris and Thompson put together a strong performance.
Norris scored two goals, both assisted by Krebs, while Tage also tallied an assist and fired off five shots on goal. It was the only line able to produce consistent attacking pressure.
It's a great sign the group found success offensively because a hallmark of Krebs' career so far has been severe struggles in the opponent's zone. He's been a black hole at times in that regard.
The 24-year-old Canadian center, who was ticketed for a fourth-line role before the injuries struck, has recorded just 94 points (30 goals and 64 assists) in 296 NHL games. He tallied a modest career high of 28 points in 81 appearances last season.
For now, it doesn't sound like Benson will be sidelined for an extended period, so Krebs will likely retreat to the Sabres' bottom six for the start of the regular season.
The 2019 first-round pick's strong play last night does at least lend hope he can slide up the lineup when needed without causing a scoring drought, which is often what happened when he moved into the top six in previous years.
An offensive breakout from Krebs, even on a more moderate scale (40ish points), would do wonders in giving Buffalo more depth offensively. It's a necessary element of a breakthrough year for the squad following the trade of JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth.
Krebs has already proven himself as a strong team-first, hard-nosed asset. A great teammate. That can only carry a player so far if they consistently hurt their team offensively, though. So turning a corner in that regard would go a long way in boosting his long-term outlook.
It sounds like Norris is bullish on his fellow center's chances to do exactly that.