What happened: The Buffalo Sabres finalized a four-year contract extension with left wing Peyton Krebs on Monday morning. The $18 million agreement carries an average annual value of $4.5 million through the 2029-30 NHL season and keeps the restricted free agent off the scheduled salary arbitration docket.

Why it matters: Securing the 25-year-old at a fixed cap number provides cost certainty and preserves core continuity for the Sabres, who pushed the Canadiens to Game 7 in May and continue reshaping their lineup. The multi-year commitment locks in a reliable middle-six contributor without risking a one-year arbitration award that could have led to unrestricted free agency.

What to watch: With Krebs under contract and arbitration cleared, attention turns to Buffalo's remaining offseason roster moves ahead of training camp for the 2026-27 season.