OTP - Who Will Fill The Sabres Top-Six Hole? Earlier this week, the Buffalo Sabres signed Peyton Krebs to a two-year, $2.9 million contract ($1.45 million AAV). With this bridge deal, the Sabres now have the young forward locked up until the completion of the 2025-26 campaign. The former first-rounder will now look to break out from here. While the Sabres have Krebs signed, it appears that Buffalo almost went in an entirely different direction with the 23-year-old. During the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast [https://www.sportsnet.ca/podcasts/32-thoughts/], NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared that the Sabres considered trading Krebs before getting this contract finalized. Here is what Friedman said on the matter: "A couple days ago, I had heard that Krebs might be traded. It was pointed out to me that Krebs was not in that frame of mind.” While Krebs was a prime trade candidate for the Sabres, Friedman noted that the young forward made it abundantly clear that he wanted to remain in Buffalo. Peyton Krebs [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA5NDQ0NDc1NTk0ODc2NTY2/usatsi_22857880.jpg] Peyton Krebs Here's what Friedman said on the matter: "He was like, ‘I don’t want anything out there that makes it indicate that I want to be traded. Ultimately, the deal got done.” Now that Krebs is signed and sticking around, he must earn a spot in the Sabres' lineup for the start of the season. The Sabres notably gave their bottom six a significant boost this offseason, adding Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, Sam Lafferty, Beck Malenstyn, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel. Thus, Krebs has serious competition heading into the new season and will need to impress from here. Peyton Krebs [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA5MDc2ODMzNjQyMDk2NDg0/usatsi_22857898.jpg] Peyton Krebs Krebs appeared in 80 games last season for the Sabres, recording four goals, 17 points, 67 penalty minutes, 108 hits, and a plus-2 rating. RECENT SABRES NEWS Ex-Sabre Rejected NHL Offers for Maple Leafs Chance [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/ex-sabre-rejected-nhl-offers-for-maple-leafs-chance] Buffalo Sabres Top Target Is Still Available [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/buffalo-sabres-top-target-is-still-available] Former Sabres Captain Officially Announces Retirement [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/former-sabres-captain-officially-announces-retirement] Ex-Sabres Goalie Lands PTO With Former Team [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/ex-sabres-goalie-lands-pto-with-former-team] Former Sabres Goalie Signs With New Team [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/former-sabres-goalie-signs-with-new-team] Sabres GM Gives Big Praise to Top Prospect [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-gm-gives-big-praise-to-top-prospect] Former Sabres Forward Calls It a Career [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/former-sabres-forward-calls-it-a-career] Sabres Sign Peyton Krebs to Multi-Year Deal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-sign-peyton-krebs-to-multi-year-deal] Sabres Surging Prospect Impressing Big Time [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-surging-prospect-impressing-big-time]