Buffalo Sabres Prospect Devon Levi’s TV Appearance Goes Viral
Devon Levi, a promising goaltending prospect for the Buffalo Sabres, recently gained attention through a brief TV appearance. The 21-year-old was featured in a Man on the Street segment by CBS affiliate News 8 in Rochester, New York, where he encouraged residents to stay safe during a severe winter storm. Levi’s engaging demeanor and casual remarks made the segment amusing for viewers.
Devon Levi: From College Star to NHL Prospect
Levi’s journey to the Sabres began when he was acquired from the Florida Panthers in July 2021 as part of the Sam Reinhart trade. He made an immediate impact after a stellar two-year stint at Northeastern University, where he achieved:
- 1.90 goals against average
- .942 save percentage
- 16 shutouts over 66 college appearances
Levi joined the Sabres in the NHL for the 2023 season, showing promise with a record of 5-2-0 and a .905 save percentage across seven games.
Current AHL Performance
Despite a strong start, his progress has faced challenges. In the 2023-24 season, Levi recorded a .899 save percentage in 23 games, followed by an .872 mark in nine games the previous season. As a result, the Sabres sought to strengthen their goaltending by signing Alex Lyon and claiming Colten Ellis off waivers.
Increased Competition and Challenges
Levi’s competition for the backup goalie role has intensified, with Lyon emerging as a key player this season. The Sabres have also navigated multiple injuries to their defense, which has affected Levi’s play in the AHL.
In his current season with the Rochester Americans, Levi holds a .907 save percentage in 28 appearances. Despite earlier success with a .927 percentage as a rookie, his performance has been inconsistent.
Future Outlook for Levi
The future remains bright for Levi, although his path to becoming a full-time NHL player has been slower than expected. Buffalo general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is actively seeking solutions to address the team’s needs, including the recent acquisition of defenseman Gavin Bayreuther from the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Sabres may reconsider their goaltending depth during the 2026 offseason, potentially placing Lyon or Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen on the trade block. Meanwhile, Levi aims to rebound and solidify his standing within the organization while resonating with fans through his unexpected TV moments in Rochester.
