After winning consecutive Mike Richter Awards as the NCAA’s top goaltender, signing with the Buffalo Sabres, and going 5-2-0 at the end of the 2022-23 season, the expectations Devon Levi were extremely high. Since then, the 23-year-old netminder has not been able to repeat his success at the NHL level, but has been one of the best goalies in the American Hockey League.
In NHL.com’s list of the Top-10 goalies under the age of 25, Levi was ranked eighth. 2025 Calder Trophy nominee Dustin Wolf was the top ranked on the list, followed by Spencer Knight of the Chicago Blackhawks, Yaroslav Askarov of the San Jose Sharks, and Leevi Meriklainen of the Ottawa Senators.
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While any ranking is subjective, the concern for the Sabres has to be that the perception of Levi’s progress is that it is not as positive as other goalies, who are still in college or just entered their pro careers. Montreal’s Jacob Fowler – who played two years at Boston College before playing for Laval during the AHL regular season and Calder Cup Playoffs, and Detroit prospect Trey Augustine –, a two-time World Junior gold medalist who plays for Michigan State, are considered better prospects. Jett Greaves of the Columbus Blue Jackets was ranked just ahead of Levi, with Minnesota’s Jesper Wallstedt, and Pittsburgh’s Joel Blomqvist finishing up the Top 10.
Levi is a restricted free agent, but was not eligible for arbitration or an offer sheet, leaving the young goalie in a situation with little leverage. With the signing of veteran Alex Lyon earlier this month, the Sabres will have an open competition, but the 23-year-old’s waiver exempt status makes it likely that Levi starts next eason in Rochester unless he impresses at training camp.
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