Devon Levi signs two-year deal with Buffalo Sabres amid development focus

The Buffalo Sabres have extended their commitment to the young goaltender Devon Levi, signing him to a two-year, $1.625 million contract. Carrying a $812,500 yearly cap hit, this contract indicates the intent of the franchise to continue developing Levi, one of the more promising but still developing goaltenders.

Although Levi spent the better part of last season in the AHL, the Sabres still see potential in him at 23 years of age, as a long-term option in their crease.

Devon Levi’s AHL impact and NHL learning curve

Devon Levi's path to development has been very much about resilience and potential. He spent much of the 2023-24 season with the Rochester Americans and did very well. With a 25-13-4 record, an impressive 2.20 goals-against-average, and a .919 save percentage, Levi, who holds the record for the highest number of shutouts in the league, seven, has the ability to justifiably be termed a game stealer.

However, his NHL voyage has not been as smooth. In nine appearances (eight starts) with Buffalo last season, Levi went 2-7-0 with a 4.12 GAA and an .872 save The transition went poorly to some degree. Those growing pains are not uncommon for a young goaltender. That the Sabres would sign him to another two-year contract is an indicator that they still view his potential in the NHL as being quite high.

The bigger picture: Buffalo Sabres' goaltender strategy

The Buffalo front office has been purposeful in building a pool of young talent, and Devon Levi is right at the heart of that.

Taken 212th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2020 NHL Draft, Levi was acquired by the Sabres in the 2021 trade that sent forward Sam Reinhart to Florida. Since that time, Buffalo has exhibited patience in its development, bouncing his assignments between the NHL and AHL.Left as the final restricted free agent on Buffalo's books this offseason, this signing completes the crease-building blocks for their current roster.

His contract gives great value for money and instills flexibility while the team continues to ponder his conditioning in the NHL.Also Read: Mitch Marner begins a new chapter with the Vegas Golden Knights after his emotional departure from TorontoThe two-year contract between Devon Levi and the Buffalo Sabres is, in other words, a renewed vote of faith in his future. While difficulties might yet exist in the NHL, there is certainly hope in his dominant showings in the AHL. In their ongoing rebuild, the Sabres will surely be keeping a close eye on Levi to see if he becomes the goaltending cornerstone they desperately need in the coming years. FAQ'sQ1. Why did the Sabres re-sign Devon Levi?Ans: They were impressed by his AHL performance and thought of him as a long-term asset.Q2. How has Devon Levi fared in the NHL?Ans: He has his ups and downs, but has shown promise through his 39 games in the NHL.Q3. When did Devon Levi join the Sabres?Ans: Levi was traded from the Florida Panthers in July 2021.