Buffalo Sabres goalie prospect Devon Levi probably didn't envision himself playing a full season with the AHL's Rochester Americans three years after finishing a record-setting college hockey career at Northeastern University, but that's the reality.
Levi, who made an immediate jump from Northeastern to Buffalo, enjoyed some initial NHL success — .905 save percentage in seven games during his first taste of pro action — but his play with the Sabres over the past two seasons (.892 SV% in 32 outings) led the franchise to shift focus between the pipes.
Yet, while it'd be easy for the 24-year-old Canadian netminder to get frustrated with being stuck behind Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis on the organizational depth chart, he's choosing to view the current campaign as a helpful reset.
"I know that over time I'll end up where I want to be," Levi told Bill Hoppe of the Times Herald. "And, obviously, being here in Rochester is amazing, and it is where I want to be. And I love it here. But I don't feel rushed anymore. I think I did."
The 2020 seventh-round draft pick of the Florida Panthers, who arrived to the Sabres in the blockbuster Sam Reinhart trade (which worked out well for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions), explained he's now focused mostly on the mental side of the sport.
"I know that I have the physical and goaltending ability to play in the NHL," Levi told Hoppe. "I think the past year or two has been more of the mental side, being able to understand how to carry a full-season load in pro, manage the ups and down, stay even-keeled throughout."
He added: "It's kind of like one step closer to becoming internally how I need to be an elite NHL goalie."
Levi will play a lot of meaningful hockey during the stretch run of the AHL regular season as the Amerks attempt to clinch a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Doing so would give him a chance to add to his 13 games of postseason experience with Rochester.
Buffalo Sabres shouldn't give up on Devon Levi despite atypical development journey
Levi saying, with the benefit of hindsight, that he felt a bit rushed makes sense. Jumping straight from facing college opponents to taking on the best players in the world is a monumental leap, and he actually deserved ample credit for holding his own.
A couple seasons in the minors always made the most sense, though. And, after a few years of being the "next man up' for Buffalo, former general manager Kevyn Adams wisely brought in more depth so the prized prospect could spend an entire season in Rochester.
As Levi alluded, it was less about his ability between the pipes and more related to what happens between the ears when you're asked to carry the load.
The two-time Mike Richter Award winner as NCAA hockey's best goalie got off to a bit of a sluggish start to the current campaign, but he's came alive lately.
Levi has compiled a .933 SV% with two shutouts in 12 starts dating back to early January. He's held the opponent to two goals or less in nine of those games.
His strong play has helped the Amerks create some breathing room in the playoff race. They're currently six points clear of the Belleville Senators with three games in hand as they try to lock down a postseason berth in the AHL's North Division.
Looking ahead, the Sabres will have some difficult decisions to make about their goaltending situation over the summer. It wouldn't be a surprise if two of UPL, Lyon and Ellis are ultimately moved to create an NHL spot for Levi next season.
That depends on the highly touted prospect finishing the campaign strong in Rochester, though. Carrying the Americans on a deep playoff run would show the goalie is ready to make a permanent move to Buffalo for 2026-27.