Leading up to the trade deadline, it was reported that the Buffalo Sabres were exploring trading Devon Levi. According to David Pagnotta with The Fourth Period, it is something they could circle back to this summer.
It certainly was a surprise as Levi is viewed as the future at the position, especially after an impressive NHL debut during the 2022-23 season when he had a save percentage of .905 and a goals against average of 2.94 in seven games late in the season.
However, Devon Levi has been up and down between the NHL and AHL the past few seasons. Before this year, the team decided to commit to him being in the AHL full-time in hopes of moving his development along. He has been productive but not dominant by any means and has gone 17-16-11 with a goals against average of 2.76 and a save percentage of .906 in 41 games.
With Levi entering the final year of a two-contract extension next season, it would make sense for the Sabres to explore trading their goaltender. Especially if they don't believe he can crack the NHL roster next season.
Buffalo Sabres have a logjam at the goalie position and Devon Levi seems the most logical to trade
Right now, that seems like a long shot with the logjam the team currently has at the position and with how well they have been playing. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has had a bounce-back season with a 15-8-2 record, a goals against average that is a half goal better than last season at 2.71, and a save percentage of .904.
Meanwhile, Alex Lyon has been even better and should be considered the starter for this team with a 19-8-3 record, a goals against average of only 2.62, and a save percentage of .912. Both of these players, along with Colten Ellis, are all under contract next season.
The Sabres are going to have to trade at least one, maybe two goalies, among these four, and Levi makes the most sense. He should still be considered an NHL-ready goaltender, and some teams should be willing to take the risk on a young goalie like Levi on what is essentially a one-year prove-it type deal.
Right now, the Sabres have only four draft picks in this upcoming NHL Draft and no second-round pick in 2027. If Jarmo Kekalainen wants to add a few more picks, Devon Levi seems like a logical player to move this summer.