Sabres’ Strategy for Devon Levi Unveiled
Devon Levi has been a focal point for the Buffalo Sabres since they acquired him in the 2021 trade with the Florida Panthers. The young goaltender was considered a significant asset in that deal, but he has faced challenges in establishing himself within the NHL.
Devon Levi’s Performance in the AHL
Over the past two seasons, Levi has alternated between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL), specifically playing with the Rochester Americans. His performance in the AHL has been commendable:
- Combined record: 41 wins, 19 losses
- Save percentage: .923
These statistics highlight his potential and skill level in the league.
Challenges in the NHL
In contrast, Levi’s outings in the NHL have been less favorable. In his time with the Sabres, he has struggled:
- Combined record: 12 wins, 15 losses
- Save percentage: .886
He has not played for the Sabres this current season, raising questions about his future with the team.
Current Goalie Situation
On a recent episode of Daily Faceoff Live, analysts discussed the Sabres’ strategy for Levi. They expressed concerns about his potential frustration due to the current goaltending dynamics within the team. Hosts Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton evaluated the crowded goalie situation:
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is currently considered a primary option.
- Other goalies include Alex Lyon and newly added Colten Ellis.
The potential for Levi to receive adequate playing time seems limited, especially if conditioning assignments are required for any of the current goalies.
Future Considerations for Levi
Experts anticipated a scenario where Levi could emerge as a key player for the Sabres. Originally, the plan hinted at a shared responsibility between Levi and Luukkonen, with Levi poised to take on a more significant role.
However, recent events have complicated this outlook, prompting discussions about the overall strategy for the Sabres’ goaltending lineup. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how the situation unfolds for Devon Levi.
