Is Peyton Krebs the Buffalo Sabres prime trade target?

The Sabres did add two additional centers in the offseason with both Sam Lafferty and Ryan Mcleod. With Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens locked in the first and second lines the odd man out at the position may be Peyton Krebs.

Krebs had an underperforming year in the 2023-24 season. He had only four goals and 13 points in 80 games. In comparison Cozens had 18 goals and 29 assists in 79 games. At the moment it seems that Krebs has not developed in the way that Buffalo was hoping after he was a part of the Jack Eichel trade from Vegas in 2021.

With such offseason movement and steady play from other centers it's hard to see the role the Sabres have in mind for the once first round draft pick. They did extend a qualifying offer to the center in the offseason. He has yet to sign the contract and could attempt to negotiate.

Peyton Krebs could be the odd man out at forward on the Buffalo Sabres

The qualifying offer would be for over $874,000 and would be an easy contract for another team to take on if the Sabres choose to trade him. He has been linked to the Philadelphia Flyers who are looking for depth at center. Krebs' one bright spot last season came in his faceoff percentage. He had won 46.3% of his faceoffs and would be added value to either the Flyers or anyone else looking for a third- or fourth-line center.

Since losing Jeff Skinner, Buffalo may be looking to add a top scorer. They'll need decent trade prospects to make that happen. Joel Farabee from the Flyers may be shopped around and could lead to a decent trade for both teams.

The trade that brought Krebs to Buffalo, was a lot of heavy expectations attached. It seems he has not yet lived to those expectations and may be off the Sabres sooner than later.