The Buffalo Sabres’ goaltending situation is starting to make headlines as trade rumors swirl around one of their young netminders.
The Sabres are off to a rough start this season, dropping three straight games, the latest being a 4-3 OT loss to the Bruins on Thursday. They now sit at 4-4-3, placing them second-last in the Atlantic Division.
Last season, Buffalo missed the playoffs with a 36-39-7 record, and this year’s inconsistency has already reignited questions about their roster direction.
Which Goalie Is on the Buffalo Sabres’ Trade Block?
According to ‘After The Whistle’ podcast, goaltending prospect Devon Levi has requested a trade from the Sabres. Levi is currently playing with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, but remains under contract with Buffalo.
The situation has become complicated for the Sabres, who currently have five goalies eying NHL ice time: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, Colten Ellis, Alexandar Georgiev, and Levi. With so many options and limited roster spots, there isn’t room for everyone.
NHL insider Jimmy Murphy reported that even before the trade request rumors surfaced, other teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers and Utah Mammoth, had already shown interest in Levi. “A lot of teams have been watching this,” Murphy said.
“I can tell you that the Mammoth and the Flyers would love to know what it takes to get this kid in a trade. I don’t think talks with them or other teams have gotten too far yet, but there will be more if the kid wants out.”
The story gained traction earlier this week when ‘After The Whistle,’ hosted by former Sabres players Craig Rivet and Andrew Peters, mentioned that Levi was unhappy after being cut from Buffalo’s NHL roster out of training camp.
Buffalo signed Alexandar Georgiev during training camp, a move made while Luukkonen was injured. When the Sabres later chose to go with Georgiev, Lyon, and Ellis over Levi, frustration reportedly grew on the player’s side.
Despite the off-ice noise, Levi has performed well in the AHL, posting a 2.00 goals-against average and .920 save percentage through four starts this season. Over the past three years with Rochester, he’s maintained an impressive .922 save percentage in 72 appearances.
For now, it remains to be seen how Buffalo handles the situation. With a crowded crease and a young goalie eager for an NHL opportunity, a trade could be the best option.