The Vegas Golden Knights locked up one of their newest prospects Saturday by signing their 2019 first-round pick, Peyton Krebs. The team announced they have signed the 18-year-old to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Krebs was once considered an unreachable prospect for Vegas, selecting at 17, as the young prospect was considered to be a possible top-five pick and a lock to go in the top-10. However, Krebs tore his Achilles during offseason training, just weeks before the draft. While there was talk of that not affecting his draft stock, he did fall with the Golden Knights snatching the young center up quickly when their turn came up.
Krebs has been rehabbing that injury since, spending much of his time in Vegas working with the team training staff. Coincidentally, the Krebs’ signing comes as he has been cleared to return to game action and has been returned to the WHL’s Winnipeg’s Ice, where he was named team captain. He is expected to return to the ice on Sunday.
With Cody Glass now with Vegas as a full-time player, Krebs has slid into his role as Vegas’ top prospect. The center scored 19 goals and 49 assists last year in 64 games as a 17-year-old with a weak Kootenay Ice squad, before the team relocated to Winnipeg. Krebs is considered to be one of the top two-way centers in the WHL and an impressive pass-first center.
Why sign him now?? He’s going to slide on his ELC this year anyway? Why not wait?