Former San Jose Sharks goalie Alexandar Georgiev signed with the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.
While that move was puzzling in some eyes, there is a reason behind the move. Georgiev is coming off two very tough seasons with the Colorado Avalanche and the Sharks. Georgiev played 49 games in 2024-2025 between the Sharks and Avalanche, starting 47 times. The now Sabres goalie had a 15-26-4 record, .875 save %, and a 3.71 goals against average.
Buffalo is already set in goal with starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen leading the way. But according to The Athletic’s Matthew Fairburn, Luukkonen is still dealing with an injury.
“According to a league source, Luukkonen reported to camp with what is described as a “tweak.” The team is unsure of the extent of the injury and doesn’t have an exact timetable for when Luukkonen will be back to 100 percent,” Fairburn wrote.
The Sabres also have top prospect Devon Levi in the mix for starts. Veteran Alex Lyon also signed as a UFA in Buffalo. The addition of Georgiev is curious, but not surprising, given the status of UPL.
This also raises the question of what will happen with Levi. The young star was supposed to take over the crease for the Sabres, but hasn’t done so. Levi has spent the majority of his career in the AHL. Could a trade be on the table for the 23-year-old?
It is unknown what the trade interest is for Levi, but Luukkonen is entering year two of a five-year $23.75 million contract. UPL is also young for NHL standards. At 26, Luukkonen has a lot to give for a Sabres team that hasn’t made the playoffs in over a decade.
Georgiev’s lack of success at the NHL level last season likely means he will be a waiver candidate at training camp. He’s led the league in wins before, so a competition between Lyon, Levi, and Georgiev will take place as long as UPL is out.
