Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is facing a lot of pressure this offseason. With him being at the helm of the franchise who owns the longest playoff drought in the NHL, he has some situations to figure out. One of those solutions, the goaltending.
The Sabres goaltending continues to remain a question mark heading into 2025/2026. Yet again, it's another discussion what the franchise should do in terms of the goaltending. Going back to 2024/2025, Buffalo started with Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
Fast forward to just a couple of months later, it was Luukkonen and James Reimer. To wrap up the season, Reimer was getting more starts than Luukkonen as Buffalo missed the postseason for the 14th consecutive year. So, where do the Sabres go from here?
Here are some scenarios that Buffalo can choose from.
Scenario 1
For the first scenario, it's to roll with UPL and Levi. After having a fantastic season in 2023/2024, Luukkonen earned himself a well deserved contract extension but struggled this previous year. As for Levi, he spent the majority of last season with the Rochester Americans where he awesome for the Amerks.
Whether it was their fault or not, both goalies struggled but if Adams improves the team in front of them, then it's possible both Levi and Luukkonen will be the two goalies leading the way for the blue and gold next year.
Scenario 2
The next scenario is having Luukkonen and Reimer back for another season with Levi in Rochester. This season with the Amerks, Levi was phenomenal. During the regular season was 25-13-4-2 with a SV% of .919 and seven shutouts. So far in Rochester's postseason run, he is 4-1-0 with a .931 SV% and two shutouts.
As I mentioned earlier, Reimer did a really good job for the Sabres last season as Luukkonen was struggling. James will be a UFA this Summer, so we will see if Adams brings him back and runs this scenario back.
Scenario 3
For the last scenario, it involves either Luukkonen or Levi with a new addition. Looking at the UFA market for goaltending, it's nothing too crazy. There are some names but none that make me go "MUST HAVE". Whether it's trading Luukkonen or giving Levi a shot, Buffalo could keep one of those guys and get a new face.
If it's a trade or free agency, the Sabres GM could choose that route and decide between Levi and Luukkonen.
My prediction
Honestly, I think it depends on what the GM does. Buffalo needs a lot of improvement, specifically on the blue line. With Owen Power's injury, that should force Adams to improve the blue line. If he does, I belive it will be Levi and Luukkonen.
Only time will tell but we'll see what Buffalo chooses to do during the offseason and going into the 2025/2026 regular season.