1:42 p.m.: PuckPedia confirms that Levi’s entry-level contract starts immediately, which will make him a restricted free agent in 2025. The contract has a cap hit of $925K and a breakdown as follows:
2022-23: $832.5K salary, $92.5K signing bonus, $80K minors salary
2023-24: $832.5K salary, $92.5K signing bonus, $80K minors salary, $925K Schedule A performance bonus
2024-25: $832.5K salary, $92.5K signing bonus, $80K minors salary, $1MM Schedule A performance bonus
Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News also reports that Levi will not be assigned to Rochester and will immediately be added to the Sabres roster.
1:04 p.m.: Buffalo Sabres fans could get to see their potential goalie of the future in a Sabres uniform relatively soon. The team has signed goalie prospect Devon Levi to a three-year entry-level contract, with financial terms undisclosed.
A 2020 seventh-round pick of the Florida Panthers, Levi was the key prospect sent to Buffalo in return for forward Sam Reinhart. Since the trade, Levi’s numbers have been nothing short of spectacular playing for Northeastern University. In 66 games over two seasons with the school, Levi’s posted a 38-22-6 record, a whopping 16 shutouts, a 1.90 goals-against average, and a .942 save percentage.
It was Levi’s performance for Team Canada at the 2021 World Juniors that first earned him accreditation as a top goalie prospect, though. In seven games, the surprise starter notched three shutouts and a .964 save percentage en route to a gold medal.
At this time, Buffalo has not announced whether Levi will report to Buffalo or the AHL’s Rochester Americans. Given the team is already carrying three goalies at the NHL level, though, Rochester is the likely destination for Levi.
Levi, 21, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, 24, now form a capable tandem of young netminders to take over for the admirable but aging Craig Anderson. While it’s rare for a goalie to make the jump directly to the NHL from the college ranks, Levi’s numbers are even rarer. As Buffalo gets closer to playoff contention, Levi is a name to watch as a pivotal piece for the franchise over the next number of years.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported things were “in motion” between Levi and the Sabres soon before the news dropped.
Sabres or Amerks? Amerks or Sabres?
I think he’s got a big set that makes him confident enough to think he’s good enough to help the Sabres reach the playoffs. He’d be this year’s version of Binnington. And it would help him reach RFA status a year sooner.
I remember Ken Dryden doing the same thing for the Montreal Canadiens waaaay back. Joined the team late, carried them, stood on his head in the playoffs, then was the regular goaltender after that.
More than likely Rochester to start but hey if the Sabres get mathematically eliminated from the playoffs I could see him get a start (or 2) to end the season with the Sabres.
Awesome!
Northeastern’s sure turned into a goalie factory the last twenty years: Keni Gibson, Brad Thiessen, Cayden Primeau, and now Devon Levi. It’s going to be a hurting team on St Botolph Street this coming year, though.
I’d Love it if this kid ends up having more success than Spencer Knight when their pro careers are over . How can you not Cheer for this kid .