Two years. It was two years ago when questions were rising as to how the Buffalo Sabres can finally gain relevance. It was two years ago when rumors swirled about one center and when the Sabres would trade him.
Now, Peyton Krebs has become a top performer in the team's opening series against the Boston Bruins of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They are currently up 3-1 and on the verge of winning their first playoff series since 2007.
That is in part to the performance of Krebs. He has improved considerably since last season and has come on even stronger during the early parts of this postseason. The center has been one of the keys to the Sabres' early success.
Peyton Krebs has five points vs. Boston and has become a prolific part of the Sabres' push toward Round 2
There hasn't been a game that he wasn't a contributing factor for points against the Bruins. In the 6-1 victory on Sunday, the 25-year-old center had a goal and an assist. He has 10 hits and a plus-seven rating in the four games thus far.
Krebs' success has gone beyond stats. He has had an aggressive approach and is pushing the puck forward, making sure that the Sabres stay on the offensive end throughout the series.
It is remarkable for a player, who was thought of as a trading chip, to now be one the reasons they are close to winning a playoff series. It shows though, that patience in what the organization saw paid off with Krebs since arriving in the blockbuster Jack Eichel trade with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021.
In addition, with Krebs blocking out the outside noise, what he has been able to pull off this postseason is reason for the Sabres to sign him to a long-term deal this offseason.
Krebs is due to be a restricted free agent as the summer is set to begin. If he continues to be a top performer during the run for a Cup, not just the Sabres would be looking to sign him.
During postseason press conferences, teams chose who should speak based on performance on the ice. It is worth noting that Krebs was one of the players to represent the Sabres on Sunday; along with Bowen Byram.
They will be looking to now close out the series. With the way Krebs has played, he will be a big factor as to why they may be moving forward and past Boston.
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