Sabres sign top goalie prospect

Buffalo Sabres fans could get to see their potential goalie of the future in a Sabres uniform relatively soon. The team signed goalie prospect Devon Levi to a three-year, entry-level contract, with financial terms undisclosed.

A 2020 seventh-round pick of the Florida Panthers, Levi was the key prospect sent to Buffalo in return for forward Sam Reinhart. Since the trade, Levi’s numbers have been nothing short of spectacular playing for Northeastern University. In 66 games over two seasons with the school, Levi’s posted a 38-22-6 record, a whopping 16 shutouts, a 1.90 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage.

It was Levi’s performance for Team Canada at the 2021 World Juniors that first earned him accreditation as a top goalie prospect, though. In seven games, the surprise starter notched three shutouts and a .964 save percentage en route to a gold medal.

At this time, Buffalo has not announced whether Levi will report to Buffalo or the AHL’s Rochester Americans. Given the team is already carrying three goalies at the NHL level, though, Rochester is the likely destination for Levi.

Levi, 21, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, 24, now form a capable tandem of young netminders to take over for the admirable but aging Craig Anderson. While it’s rare for a goalie to make the jump directly to the NHL from the college ranks, Levi’s numbers are even rarer. As Buffalo gets closer to playoff contention, Levi is a name to watch as a pivotal piece for the franchise over the next number of years.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported things were “in motion” between Levi and the Sabres soon before the news dropped.