Sabres Sign Goaltender Devon Levi to Two-Year Contract

Devon Levi Secures two-Year Deal with Buffalo Sabres

In a significant move for the Buffalo Sabres, the team announced today that they have inked a two-year contract with their promising goaltender, Devon Levi.Levi, a restricted free agent, will earn an average of $812,500 per season, providing a stable foundation for the team’s goaltending future.

The 23-year-old Quebec native has demonstrated considerable talent during his time with the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League (AHL). Over 68 regular-season games in rochester, Levi posted an extraordinary 41 wins, backed by a strong 2.28 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage. His performance in the 2024-2025 season, where he recorded a 2.20 GAA and a.919 save percentage, placed him sixth overall in the AHL, highlighting his consistent growth.

Levi has already seen NHL action with the Sabres, appearing in 39 games (36 starts) over the past three seasons. His NHL record stands at 17-17-2, with a 3.29 goals-against average and an .894 save percentage. The question now is whether Levi will be ready to challenge for the starting job in Buffalo come the 2025-2026 season, or if he’ll begin the year in Rochester to further hone his skills.

The Sabres’ goaltending situation is certainly a competitive one. Levi’s contract comes as the team also looks to its established tandem,including Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and recent free-agent signing Alex Lyon. This influx of talent and commitment suggests a strategic approach by the Sabres’ management to build a robust goaltending corps.

Originally drafted by the Florida Panthers in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Levi was acquired by Buffalo in july 2021 as part of the trade that sent Sam Reinhart to Sunrise. Hailing from Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Levi made his NHL debut with the sabres in march 2023, following a triumphant collegiate career with Northeastern University.

This contract extension is more than just a roster move; it’s a statement of confidence in Levi’s potential. For young goaltenders, the transition from collegiate or junior hockey to the professional ranks can be challenging. levi’s AHL success indicates he’s adapting well, and this two-year deal offers him crucial time to prove his NHL readiness.teams often see goaltending as the most critical position, and securing a developing talent like Levi provides stability and a competitive edge for years to come.Sabres fans will be watching closely to see how he integrates into the NHL lineup and contributes to the team’s long-term success.

What is the average annual value (AAV) of Devon Levi’s new contract with the Buffalo Sabres?

contract Details & Financial Implications

The Buffalo Sabres have officially signed goaltender Devon Levi to a two-year contract, as announced today, July 31st, 2025. While specific financial terms haven’t been publicly disclosed,sources indicate the deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $2.8 million. This signing represents a significant investment in the future of the Sabres’ netminding.

Contract Length: 2 years

Estimated AAV: $2.8 million

Contract Type: NHL Contract

Impact on Cap: The contract will impact the Sabres’ salary cap, providing clarity for further roster moves during the offseason.

Levi’s performance & Development

Devon Levi, 23, quickly became a fan favorite in Buffalo following his debut in the 2023-2024 season. His notable athleticism and calm demeanor in net offered a glimpse of the potential that led to him being selected 7th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Here’s a breakdown of his key stats:

1. 2023-2024 Season: 34 Games Played, 19-14-4 Record, .905 Save Percentage,2.79 Goals Against Average.
2. NCAA Career (Northeastern university): Highly decorated collegiate career, including multiple All-American honors and the Mike Richter Award in 2022.
3. International Play: Represented Canada at the World Junior Championships, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Levi’s development has been closely monitored by Sabres management, and this contract extension reflects their confidence in his long-term potential as a starting goaltender in the NHL. His swift adaptation to the professional game, combined with his strong work ethic, has been particularly impressive.

What This Means for the Sabres’ Goaltending Future

This signing solidifies the Sabres’ goaltending situation for the next two seasons.Prior to the contract, questions lingered about the long-term plan in net. With Levi secured, the team can now focus on building around a promising young goaltender.

Competition: Levi will likely compete with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for the starting role. This healthy competition should push both goaltenders to improve.

Development Path: The two-year term allows the Sabres to evaluate Levi’s progress and determine his long-term fit with the organization.

Trade Implications: This contract may influence the Sabres’ decisions regarding potential trades involving other goaltenders.

Levi’s Strengths and areas for Improvement

Levi possesses several key strengths that make him a promising NHL goaltender:

Athleticism: Exceptional reflexes and agility allow him to make difficult saves.

Positioning: Generally sound positioning and tracking ability.

composure: Remains calm and focused under pressure.

However, areas for continued development include:

Consistency: Maintaining a high level of performance over a full NHL season.

Rebound Control: Improving rebound control to limit second-chance opportunities.

* experience: Gaining more experience against a wider variety of NHL shooters.

Sabres’ Offseason Strategy & Goaltending Depth

the Levi signing is part of a broader offseason strategy for the sabres, focused on solidifying key positions and building a competitive roster. The team has also been active in exploring options to strengthen their forward and defensive lines.

The Sabres’ goaltending depth chart now looks as follows:

1. Devon Levi
2. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
3. Michael Houser (AHL)
4. ethan Fitzpatrick (Prospect)

This depth provides the Sabres with insurance in case of injuries or underperformance. The development of prospects like Fitzpatrick will be crucial for the long-term health of the organization’s goaltending pipeline.

Fan Reaction & Social Media Buzz

The declaration of Levi’s contract extension has been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from Sabres fans. Social media platforms have been buzzing with excitement, with fans expressing their confidence in Levi’s ability to become a star goaltender. Hashtags like #Sabres, #DevonLevi, and #LetsGoBuffalo are trending as fans celebrate the news. The enthusiasm surrounding Levi highlights his importance to the team’s future and the growing excitement surrounding the Sabres’ rebuild.