Insider Reports Sabres and Former Top Prospect Parting Ways

The Buffalo Sabres’ goaltending fell apart when they needed it most in the second round against the Montreal Canadiens. Lindy Ruff’s team was getting strong play from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis all season, but it all fell apart for Luukkonen and Lyon against the Habs. Buffalo had to go with a three-headed monster in net all season because of injuries and the presence of Devon Levi in the AHL, which might not be a concern next year, according to Jeff Marek.

Marek alleged on the Ottawa Senators-based podcast that the relationship between Levi and the Sabres was breaking down. Buffalo bundled his development early in his pro career, trying to make him fit at the NHL level before giving him a chance to get comfortable in Rochester, and he has been paying for it ever since. While the Sabres believed he’d be their starting goaltender by now, he wasn’t even a top-three netminder in the organization this season.

Levi’s numbers have been getting worse each season with the Rochester Americans, culminating in a 2.83 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage this past season. He did have some good individual numbers in the postseason for the Americans, but the team ultimately fell out in the first round.

It might actually be in Levi’s best interest to stick around and see if he can steal a spot in Buffalo next season. Each of their goaltenders is under contract for next season, but there is an argument that they were among the main reasons the Sabres were eliminated in the second round. With Lyon and Luukkonen taking turns giving each other back the net, the series ultimately ended on a classic weak goal from the outside on Luukkonen in overtime of Game 7.

Levi also has another year left on his contract, but he will likely want to find a place to play in the NHL next season. If that isn’t Buffalo, a trade seems likely for the former top prospect.

Next: Following Sabres Elimination in Playoffs, What Now for Alex Tuch?