According to Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News, goalie prospect Devon Levi has informed the organization that he intends to return to Northeastern University for his junior season (link). Though it had not been confirmed, the general belief had been that Levi would return to Northeastern instead of opting to turn pro and sign with Buffalo. As much as the Sabres would like to have the goaltender enter their organization now and learn the business of being a professional hockey player, the move seems to make sense for Levi, who can have another year of development at the NCAA level, another year of education at Northeastern, and another chance at a national title.
Also of note for the 20-year-old is that turning pro would not necessarily mean a regular role with the Buffalo Sabres, and a likely trip to the Rochester Americans of the AHL for at least a year. Although professional could benefit Levi, another year at Northeastern may ultimately be more appealing while still allowing him to develop.
Selected in the seventh-round by Florida in 2020, 212th overall, Levi has been a standout in college. After missing his Freshman year due to injury, Levi burst onto the scene this season as a Sophomore, boasting a .952 save-percentage and 1.54 goals-against average over 32 games. Time will tell how the young goaltender develops, but his return to Northeastern does not make him any less a part of the Sabres’ future plans.
He was drafted by Florida and traded to Buffalo last summer.
Drafted by Florida traded to Sabres
(Northeastern alumnus cheering loudly!)
Those are some damn good college stats.
Right and I remember this guy was just an add-on in that trade. Like a throw-in.
So hockey is different from baseball. When a guy wants to go back to school the professional team holds on to his rights? Very interesting… good for the Sabres and great pick up with that trade.
I think this guy was an afterthought or a little bonus in that trade. He sure performed well last year and could be an excellent piece of the future.
To a limited degree, Gary. The rules about the same are complex, but the short version is that a team can generally hang on to the rights for a few years. The reasoning is that they can’t actually sign a professional contract and still keep NCAA eligibility.