Buffalo Sabers 2025-26 Player Grades: Peyton Krebs – Hockey Writers – Buffalo Sabers

With the 2025-26 season in the books, it’s time to look back while looking to the future. Expectations are already high for 2026-27, and part of that has to do with the contributions of those on the current roster.

One of the most underrated contributors this season has been Peyton Krebs. In this series, we grade players who made significant contributions to the Sabers this past season. Krebs is one of the most intriguing young players on the team, especially given his apparent growth.

Production

At first glance, Krebs’ 12 goals and 39 points are nothing to write home about. But when you look at it in the big picture, it’s a marked leap. He improved in every category, perhaps his most impressive move was a plus-13 in the plus and minus category. Krebs took the biggest role, and his production had a corresponding development.

Perhaps it’s best to look back at the season following the Olympic break. In 25 games following the break, Krebs has 14 points and .56 points per game. Compared to his first 57 games (.22), he doubled his production rate.

Krebs began getting more ice time, sometimes even lining up the top line with Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson. He doesn’t have a lot of flash in his game but he has enough skill to work with anyone in the entire system.

The intangible

Krebs really stood out because of his versatility and the way he bullied opponents. He gets into dirty spots, plays hard, and causes problems for opposing players in their own end. He’s also not afraid to get his hands dirty, push, shove, and even fight at times.

The 25-year-old center has been gradually nurtured by head coach Lindy Ruff, and the progress is evident. He is a defensive center who can play at both ends of the ice. He may not be a true No. 1 center. 1 but his versatility and style of play have more than earned him a spot on the roster.

Overall Grade: B+

The Krebs in the second half may slip into A-territory but this is the grade for the rest of the season. His run and effort in the playoffs (six points in 13 games) proved that he is a valuable contributor to the Sabres.

His pressing style of play fits perfectly with what Zach Benson, Josh Doan, and Beck Malenstyn have done to change the entire tone of the team. In a perfect world, Krebs would slot in as a third-line center, but he could also play wing, something that may be necessary given the current roster structure.

Can He Keep Growing?

The Sabers have a few things that need to be addressed in the offseason, and Krebs has earned himself an extension. What that number will be will tell the rest of what happens this season, but the Sabers clearly have a key two-way piece on the bottom half of their roster.

If Tuch leaves, the Sabers may rely heavily on Krebs starting next season. His drive and willingness to go to the dirty spots make him an asset to a young team with a lot of talent. It’s just a matter of finding him where he’s ready.