Analyzing Buffalo Sabres goaltenders for 2023-24 (Revival?)

The Buffalo Sabres goaltenders were a major weakness in 2022-23, but that could be changing for 2023-24. Here is what you can expect. 

Ever since Ryan Miller left, the Buffalo Sabres have gone through countless goaltenders. And it should be no coincidence that instability at the position played a massive role in the team’s struggles over the previous decade.

Then nearly two seasona ago, the Sabres traded Sam Reinhart for a first round pick, plus a goaltender named Devon Levi, who in 2020, was just a few picks from becoming the NHL’s version of Mr. Irrelevant. Toward the end of this year, Levi proved himself to be quite relevant, and he could be the main man in the net when 2023-24 rolls around, as my goaltender rankings show.

So what can you expect from the Sabres goaltenders next season? Keep reading for a full breakdown.

Analyzing Buffalo Sabres goaltenders for 2023-24

Shoo-in to return

While the Sabres have three goaltenders signed for next season, Devon Levi is the only one with a guaranteed roster spot, barring some unforeseen breakdown in camp. This is an unconventional path for goaltenders, as the near-consensus is that they toil through the AHL for at least a season before they move up in the ranks.

Levi is a special case, and you will most likely see him man the net next season. Behind him, however, just about anything can happen.

Mysteries

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is one of those players you root for, but how many more chances will he get? In 2021-22, he looked good in the Buffalo Sabres net, then injuries struck, and he subsequently struggled in the AHL. He was healthy this season, and took over for the injured Eric Comrie in November, only to experience a turbulent first (basically full) season in the NHL.

Eric Comrie never looked like the goaltender he was during his final season with the Winnipeg Jets. However, he’s older and more experienced overall than Luukkonen, and he’s one of those backup goaltenders who’s shown he could exceed expectations when he spot starts.

Malcolm Subban and Michael Houser are intriguing, and they both looked good in the AHL this season. Each allowed a GAA of under 3.00, and have also proven themselves to be at least serviceable in the NHL in past seasons if called upon, especially Subban.

What to expect

Unfortunately, Craig Anderson won’t return, since he already announced his retirement. He was, besides Levi late in the year, the most reliable asset between the pipes last season, so the nod will go to either Luukkonen or Comrie, with the former holding the edge at the time of this writing.

The Buffalo Sabres could end up letting Comrie out of his contract, which could pave the way for either Subban, Houser, or both to return and man the net in Rochester. But we know one thing: Devon Levi will most likely be the top man in the Queen City, and at long last, the Sabres may have their goaltender.

Source: Inside the Sabres: Analyzing the depth chart and where GM Kevyn Adams will add this summer by Lance Lysowski, BuffaloNews.com

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference/Amerks.com)