In the midst of the 2023-24 Buffalo Sabres season, the handling of goaltender Devon Levi has been a huge topic of conversation amongst the fanbase. After almost getting the Sabres into the playoffs last year, Levi has been up and down between the Sabres and the Rochester Americans.
A couple of weeks ago, Levi was not getting much playing time due to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen performing very well for Buffalo. As for Eric Comrie, he was the odd man out and sent to the Americans after being placed on waivers and that move was an eye popping one for Sabres fans just because it wasn't Levi being sent down.
If you're a fan of this team then you know about the other failed developments on previous Sabres teams who got shipped out of Buffalo and are having success with their new team. As we all know, Levi was the main piece in the Sam Reinhart deal which had Sammy going to the Florida Panthers where he is having a career year with the Panthers.
While the trade doesn't look good at the moment, fans shouldn't jump to conclusions. I know it's frustrating but it seems like Levi will be a staple for the franchise. But it begs the question which has come up a lot of times on social media.
Are the Buffalo Sabres mishandling Devon Levi?
Even though the Sabres are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, it's no secret they have underachieved this year so far. Levi hasn't been impressive but it is not his fault. Just like last year, Buffalo's defense has not been very good. While he's had some tough moments, you can't point the finger strictly at Devon.
This is why fans want him in the AHL. The Sabres are under .500 and i don't think fans want the "franchise goaltender" playing with the team he has in front of him. Now I'm just a fan who watches the team from my couch or in attendance at the game, but I do think general manager Kevyn Adams is not doing the right thing with Levi.
In my opinion, he should be playing with Rochester. I don't think he should be up and down between the Sabres and Amerks. To develop a goaltender, he needs to see action one way or another. It's pretty clear the reigns have been handed to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and for good reason, he's been playing very well as of late.
I do think Comrie should be in Buffalo rather than Devon. Adams needs to let the goaltender of the future gets some reps instead of him not playing for the longest time. While nothing is confirmed, it does look like Levi will get some playing time at some point this week as the Sabres are in California for a three game trip, starting tonight against the Anaheim Ducks.
Even though he might be starting sometimes, I still think he should be in Rochester. Let him get the starting reps for the baby Sabres, instead of playing every now and then or not at all. Now all of this might age poorly depending if he plays but to this point, I do think that Devon Levi is being mishandled and I'm curious to see what other fans think about this situation.