The most popular question a season ago, outside of if the Sabres could break their playoff drought, was where Buffalo would trade Peyton Krebs. Then the young center though had a career-high point total and showed development on the ice.
He had 28 points and won 49% of his faceoffs in 2024-25. He appeared poised to become a huge part of the Sabres plans. He seems to have regressed early this season, though.
Krebs, 24, already has eight penalty minutes and is averaging almost one minute less of ice time than a season ago. He does have three assists, but has yet to find the back of the net himself.
He needs to find his voice on the ice and be a valued part of what Lindy Ruff is looking to do. If he disappears in the lineup, he could once again become a prime trade target.
He could be used as a trade piece if either the Sabres falter and are looking to gain assets or if the Sabres do not see him as a piece to finally get through to the postseason.
Krebs can only hope to be a part of the Sabres postseason push
Krebs has to find his spot. Whether it be behind Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson in the lineup or paired with them the wing, he could a valued asset for the team. The Sabres had moments last year thanks to Krebs.
He came over in 2021 with Tuch in the trade for Jack Eichel from the Vegas Golden Knights. Tuch has paid off, but Krebs could be a key if the Sabres benefited from the trade.
It would be disappointing for the center to be traded from a team that made the postseason. It happened with the Golden Knights, and he could be traded again for the Sabres as they attempt to build a playoff-worthy roster.
It could cause damage to his career and create problems in his quest to find a prominent role for an organization. But he has time to improve this season for the Sabres.
One of the main reasons he had a great season a year ago was the aggressiveness he displayed in several games.
For example, in a 4-2 win against the St. Louis Blues last December, Krebs scored the first goal of the game in the first period. The Sabres struggled a year ago scoring the opening goal but, on that night, it was Krebs that gave them the advantage.
He will have to remember such a moment if he wants to turn this season around. If not, "Krebs being traded" could become a common saying around the NHL.