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Sabres Sign RFA Goaltender Devon Levi

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The goalie who came over in the Sam Reinhart trade with the Florida Panthers has been given a two-year contract extension. Devon Levi‘s contract will keep him with the Sabres and the Rochester Americans under an average annual value of $812,500 for the next two years. Levi was once regarded as one of the best goalie prospect in the world. What Levi can prove under this contract will likely decide his fate on whether he will be Buffalo’s starting goaltender in his career.

Sabres Goaltending Situation

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen enters as the projected starter after a breakout 2023–24 campaign, where he established himself as a reliable NHL presence with a strong second half. He’s expected to carry a heavier workload and continue developing into a long-term No. 1. He struggled last season, and often saw backup James Reimer jump in and take meaningful games away from him.

As a safety valve for Luukkonen this season, the Sabres acquired Alex Lyon in free agency. Lyon previously played for the Detroit Red wings. The 32-year-old is a reliable veteran that can fill the backup position for the Sabres heading into training camp. Now both of these goaltenders are coming off of sub .900 save percentage seasons. And the Sabres took steps this offseason to bolster their defence. This is all the while hoping that will take the pressure off of these goaltenders to perform at an all star level every night.

The Sabres retained Bowen Byram after much trade speculation. Traded out Connor Clifton for Conor Timmins in the depth role. Lastly, they traded for Michael Kesselring with the JJ Peterka trade. These efforts are all to bolster what was a porous defence. These are all good defencemen, and hopefully that will make things easier on the goaltenders heading into the 2025-2026 season.

Levi’s Time in the Pros So Far

Levi’s contract put him exactly where the Sabres want him to be. The Sabres have two reliable goaltenders in the NHL that have proven they can perform at the biggest level. Unfortunately for Levi, he has struggled to maintain success at the NHL level.

Devon Levi was playing in massive NHL games in 2022-2023, when he finished his collegiate career. The Sabres were pushing for a playoff spot, and Levi helped them get close. Ultimately they came up just short, by one point. Instantly, Levi was the starter in 2023-2024, and struggled early that year. He bounced between the NHL and the AHL, and just never found a groove at the NHL level that could keep him in Buffalo.

But last year, spending most of his time in the AHL, he dominated. Levi appeared in 42 regular‑season games for Rochester during the 2024‑25 AHL campaign, posting a 25–13–4 record with a 2.20 goals‑against average and a .919 save percentage. He logged 2,510 minutes of ice time, making 1,037 saves on 1,129 shots and notched seven shutouts over the course of the season. His standout month came in February 2025, when he was recognized as AHL Goaltender of the Month, going 5–2–0 with three shutouts, a stellar 1.66 GAA, and a .937 save percentage across seven starts, helping elevate the Amerks to the top of the league standings.

Where Does Levi Fit In?

Luukkonen will most likely be he starter in Buffalo, with Lyon backing him up. But if either of them go down with injury, Levi will be a formidable backup for the Sabres. And hey, if he’s ready for the NHL, and he can prove it to head coach Lindy Ruff, he will play in Buffalo. Ruff has been known to put in whoever will give his team the best chance to win, doesn’t matter who or what contract they have.

If Levi can beat out two NHL prove goaltenders, that’d be great. For himself and the team. Levi’s contract ensures that the Sabres best goalie prospect since Ryan Miller stays in the organization for two more years. The hope will be Levi can force his way to the NHL, or be ready to challenge Luukkonen for a starting position at the end of Lyon‘s backup contract.

Main Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The post Sabres Sign RFA Goaltender Devon Levi appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.