Think Buffalo Sabres hockey was over for good? Think again, as Team Canada has three of them ready to go for the 2023 IIHF World Championships.
Three current Buffalo Sabres will suit up for Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Championships, and yes, one of them is rookie goaltender and rightful fan favorite, Devon Levi. Levi, the front runner to win at least the 1A job for the Blue and Gold next season, is no stranger to international hockey, having been part of Team Canada in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and in the 2021 World Juniors.
Levi, who finished the season with a 0.905 save percentage, a 2.94 GAA, and a 5-2 record, found himself taking on the burden of most veteran starting goaltenders as the Sabres tried to snap their NHL record playoff drought. While they came up short in that regard, they didn’t come up short in finding who could be their next franchise goaltender in Levi.
Buffalo Sabres make up an important part of Team Canada at 2023 Worlds
This tournament will give Levi more time to develop his skills against NHL talent, assuming he wins the starting job over Sam Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens. But Levi won’t be the only Sabre on the roster, as Jack Quinn and Peyton Krebs will join him.
Quinn didn’t exactly light up the league this past season, posting 37 points during his rookie campaign. But he could come back stronger in 2023-24. Remember, just last season, Dylan Cozens had a year similar to Quinn’s, dominated in the IIHF Worlds, then enjoyed a breakout campaign. That said, there is no limit on how this tournament can further Quinn’s development.
Then there is Krebs, who found himself a role as a grinder on the fourth line, often centering wingers Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons. Like Quinn, Krebs can use the tournament to better his game, and perhaps return in 2023-24 as more of a scorer on the lower lines.
Overall, if you’ve spent the previous three weeks missing Buffalo Sabres hockey, you might want to tune in and watch Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF Worlds. No, they’re not going to have the entire team present, but tuning in to watch three young, exciting players who could be with this team for years should pique your interest.
Source: Sabres trio of Devon Levi, Jack Quinn and Peyton Krebs joining Team Canada for World Championships by Mike Harrington, BuffaloNews.com