The Buffalo Sabres are entering this training camp with plenty of questions at the goalie position. Can Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen bounce back after a down season? Would Alex Lyon be able to replace UPL as the starter long-term? Is Devon Levi ready for the NHL after a few promising seasons with the Rochester Americans?
For most of the summer, the Sabres did really all they could with the position by adding a veteran backup for UPL since Luukkonen had just signed a five-year extension as a restricted free agent. The best thing the Sabres' front office could do is create competition during training camp and give themselves as many options as possible during the season.
On Thursday, they did just that by signing free agent Alexandar Georgiev to a one-year deal.
Alexandar Georgiev struggled recently but could bounce back with the Buffalo Sabres
Just a few seasons ago, Alexander Georgiev was leading the league in wins with the Colorado Avalanche when he had 40 wins and 38 wins in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, respectively. He would be traded early last season by the Avalanche to the San Jose Sharks and really struggled.
In 30 starts with the Sharks, he went 7-19-4 and had a career-worst 3.88 goals against average. However, the struggles were evident the year prior as he did lead the league in wins but also led the NHL in goals against with 183.
The addition of Georgiev could end up being a perfect match for both sides as it gives Georgiev experience at the position and at best, he can back up or even start for the Sabres, but more than likely is the back up to Devon Levi with the Rochester Americans.
For Georgiev, he is entering a situation where nothing is locked in at the position, and he could compete for a spot on the Sabres. He certainly would have an uphill battle to win that spot, but at the very least, it gives him a chance to get a reset on his career. If he plays well, he could earn a bigger contract next summer.