Entering training camp and right up through the beginning of the regular season, the Buffalo Sabres had major questions at goalie. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen entered camp with an injury, and the Sabres were quick to sign free agent Alexandar Georgiev.
Then, right before the season, the Sabres waived Georgiev and claimed Colten Ellis off waivers to be the backup to Alex Lyon. However, as all of these moves were going on it raised the question of why Devon Levi wasn't getting a chance.
He is considered to be the Sabres' goaltender of the future and one of the top prospects at the position around the league. It seemed like the Sabres believed he needed more time at the AHL level, which Levi reportedly wasn't happy about, but his play on the ice has proven the Sabres were right in that he is not ready for the NHL.
Devon Levi pulled after giving up five goals against Belleville Senators
As the Buffalo Sabres were blowing a two-goal lead against the Utah Mammoth, the Rochester Americans were struggling against the Belleville Senators. They would build a 4-0 lead before the Americans responded with three goals in just over two minutes in the third period.
However, the Senators added another goal that made it 5-3 and once again seemingly put the game out of reach. After that fifth goal, and after the Americans made it a game, Michael Leone saw enough from Levi and made a switch in net to Topias Leinonen.
After the game, Leone was very blunt in explaining his decision and said Levi's performance just wasn't good enough. It seems that his decision was not just from his performance in this game but a culmination of the past few games.
"I am being honest and that is a lot of goals in a three game stretch. We believe in him but at the same time, part of you development we need a save," Leone said. "That fifth one just can't go in."
"Part of your development is we need a save" pic.twitter.com/2wjaGyHsW1
— Let's Go Amerks! (@LGA585) November 13, 2025
In the last three games, Levi has given up 14 goals on only 78 shots and it would seem the coaching staff wanted to send a wake up call. It is worth noting that it hasn't all been bad from Levi this season and the three game stretch before he was excellent with only two goals allowed over those three games.
As Leone noted, there is seemingly some development that needs to happen for the Sabres' top goalie prospect. This isn't to say he won't be in the NHL at some point but right now, he has some work to do before he can show he is ready to contribute for the Buffalo Sabres.