The Buffalo Sabres have finalized a new four-year contract with forward Peyton Krebs, avoiding an arbitration hearing. The agreement, announced on Monday, carries an average annual value of $4.5 million and will keep Krebs with the team through the 2029-30 season. This contract will see him through his age-29 season, after which he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency.
Krebs, who is 25 years old, completed what was described as a career year in the 2025-26 season, his fourth full season in Buffalo. He played in all 82 games, achieving personal bests in goals with 12 and assists with 27. His contributions also included 201 hits and a plus-minus rating of 13.
Originally a first-round pick by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2019 draft, Krebs was acquired by Buffalo as part of the trade that sent Jack Eichel to Vegas. He has accumulated 42 goals and 91 assists during his time with both Buffalo and Vegas.
Coach Lindy Ruff has previously described Krebs as a versatile player, likening him to a “Swiss Army Knife” for his ability to adapt to different roles. Krebs has stated his commitment to a consistent mindset, focusing on grinding for pucks and being strong on the forecheck.
His versatility was evident last season, where he excelled as both a fourth-line center and a first-line winger alongside Tage Thompson, becoming a consistent offensive contributor in the latter role. Krebs was also a key component of the Sabres’ late-game defensive strategy, frequently playing in 5-on-6 situations and contributing to five empty-net goals that sealed victories.
In addition to the contract signing, the Sabres announced the hiring of veteran NHL executive John Davidson as a senior adviser. Davidson, who is 73 years old, brings extensive experience, having spent 18 seasons as president of hockey operations for the St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Rangers.
Davidson will be reunited with Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen, who he previously hired as GM in Columbus. Davidson expressed enthusiasm about joining the organization, noting the palpable momentum within the league and the passion of the Sabres fans.
The Sabres ended a long playoff drought last season, securing a playoff berth and reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals. They were defeated by the Montreal Canadiens in seven games. This marked the end of a significant period without playoff appearances for the team.
In other team news, the Sabres traded Tyler Kopff to the Washington Capitals in exchange for fellow prospect Zac Funk. Funk, who is 22 years old, has recorded two goals and four assists in career AHL games with the Hershey Bears, along with points in career ECHL games with the South Carolina Stingrays. Kopff, who is 23, divided his time last season between the same two leagues.
Krebs’ Impact and Future with the Sabres
Krebs’ performance in the 2025-26 season included ranking among the NHL’s faster skaters, placing in the 92nd percentile for max speed and 90th percentile for 20-22 mph bursts. When Krebs and Thompson were on the ice together at even strength, the Sabres outscored their opponents 35-22 during the regular season.
He has been a consistent presence in the lineup, leading the team with games played out of a possible over the past three seasons. Krebs was also one of the players across the league to achieve over 200 hits.
Krebs, a native of Calgary, Alberta, previously played 13 games with the Vegas Golden Knights between the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons before joining the Sabres. His previous contract was a two-year bridge deal with an average annual salary of $1.45 million.
His contributions were a factor in Buffalo’s successful season, which saw them achieve a record of 50-23-9 and claim the top seed in the Atlantic Division. In the postseason, Krebs recorded 6 points as the Sabres eliminated the Boston Bruins in the first round before their series against Montreal.
Krebs has expressed a strong desire to remain in Buffalo, citing personal connections to the city. He mentioned that his daughter was born there and he became engaged there, considering it a home for his family. He also highlighted the positive environment and camaraderie among his teammates, stating his ambition to help bring a Stanley Cup to Buffalo.
The team has also made other roster adjustments. Additionally, long-time scoring winger Alex Tuch was traded to the Washington Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal.
Organizational Changes and Future Outlook
The addition of John Davidson as senior adviser is part of the organizational strategy. Davidson’s extensive experience in various executive roles across the league is expected to provide valuable guidance to the Sabres.
The team will also be looking for continued development from young players such as Noah Ostlund, Konsta Helenius, and Beck Malenstyn to compensate for player departures. The recent moves reflect a strategic effort to strengthen the team’s foundation and maintain its competitive trajectory.
The Sabres’ recent playoff appearance, following a significant drought, has generated considerable excitement within the community and the league. The organization is actively working to build upon this momentum with both player acquisitions and key executive hirings.
The contract extension for Krebs, along with the strategic executive appointment of Davidson, signals the Sabres’ commitment to long-term success and stability. The team’s recent performance has set a new standard, and the current leadership is focused on sustaining and enhancing that progress.
The 2025-26 season saw the Sabres clinch a playoff berth, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
