Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has expressed interest in continuing the team’s three-goalie rotation next season, but at least one notable move is probably still on the horizon between the pipes.
Prospect Devon Levi, who’s been in the Sabres’ system since arriving from the Florida Panthers in the 2021 blockbuster Sam Reinhart trade, has become stuck on the organizational depth chart and would need to clear waivers for an AHL return in 2026-27.
In turn, he’s become a popular name in the rumor mill. Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff listed Levi on his latest 2026 NHL trade board on Wednesday, saying the 24-year-old netminder has “shown plenty of promise in the AHL.”
“Plenty of teams will have interest in a dice roll on Levi’s upside,” Larkin reported.
The Canadian goaltender has compiled a 2.52 goals against average and a .914 save percentage in 120 appearances across three seasons with the AHL’s Rochester Americans. He also posted a .917 SV% in 16 playoff games for the Amerks.
Levi previously enjoyed a standout college career at Northeastern University. He registered an extraordinary .942 SV% in two NCAA seasons with the Huskies while winning the Mike Richter Award in both campaigns.
He’s stuck behind Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis in Buffalo, however, and he’d probably prefer a fresh start with a franchise prepared to give him a full-time NHL role.
Buffalo Sabres face intriguing goalie dilemma ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season
After the Sabres were eliminated from the playoffs by the Montreal Canadiens with a Game 7 overtime loss in the second round, there were immediate calls for wholesale changes in net.
It was understandable, of course. Buffalo kept switching between UPL and Lyon in the series trying to find stability in the crease and it never arrived. Trying to find a true No. 1 goalie who’d become the unquestioned postseason starter felt like the obvious response.
Yet, a few weeks into the Blue and Gold’s offseason, it’s very much unclear whether a trade for someone like the Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck or New York Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin is realistic, and making a deal for another mid-range goaltender doesn’t make much sense.
It’s also worth noting the Sabres finished third in the NHL during the regular season with a .907 team save percentage behind only the Colorado Avalanche (.914) and Minnesota Wild (.908).
So, it’s fair to wonder whether totally shaking up the goaltending depth chart because the postseason run didn’t end with a Stanley Cup title is the right way to go. Sticking with the trio of Luukkonen, Lyon and Ellis is the safest option available.
There’s one other factor in play, though: Money.
UPL is scheduled to count $4.75 million against the salary cap through 2028-29. The Sabres could create some much-needed financial flexibility by trading him, which would create a void Levi could fill alongside Lyon and Ellis.
That said, Buffalo would be taking a significant risk to move forward with that trio, which doesn’t include a goalie that’s ever been a full-time NHL starter. Front offices typically want to avoid taking those type of chances with a team that’s otherwise a strong playoff contender.
So, while a high-profile trade is possible both in terms of incoming (Hellebuyck) or outgoing (Luukkonen) talent, it’s not the most likely outcome.
Don’t be surprised if the Sabres run it back with UPL, Lyon and Ellis next season, while Levi is traded to give him an NHL opportunity with a new franchise.
