The Buffalo Sabres signing of free agent goaltender Alex Lyon to a two-year free agent contract is not just a positive for the team, but also for prospect goaltender Devon Levi.
The acquisition of Lyon helps the Sabres in two different ways. The performance of netminder Ukko-Pekka-Luukonen took a step back last season. Following a strong second half of the 23-24 campaign, Luukonen’s play regressed in 24-25.
With a win-now philosophy and a return to the playoffs as the goal, Buffalo’s goaltending must improve this coming season for the Sabres to compete.
Lyon posted a winning record for the Detroit Red Wings last season. His mark of 14 wins, 9 losses, and 1 overtime loss shows that he can deliver victories. The arrival of Lyon provides a needed push to Luukonen. Should Luukonen fail to rebound from last season’s decline, the starter’s spot is not guaranteed.
In addition, the Sabres are no longer in a position where Levi must be fast-tracked to the NHL in 2025-26. Levi is coming off a strong season in Rochester. He gained valuable experience as the Amerks reached the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.
“He took a lot of steps with improving,”said goaltending Development Coach Seamus Kotyk. “Just the workload, the volume, the games, consistency, and more subtle things you don’t see when you come to the rink. The maturing into a pro every day. The day-to-day habits, the lifestyle, that’s where I saw a lot of growth.”
Although the ultimate goal for Levi is to be a consistent, reliable performer in the NHL, he continues to give his all to the role presented to him.
“He had every opportunity to come in with a chip on his shoulder,” said Kotyk. “All the personalities matched with that team(Rochester). He was always, every day, in the moment. He was never like “I should be in Buffalo”, he was just, I’m here, I’m gonna make the most of it and I’m gonna give what I have.”
While Levi can continue to play some games with the Sabres, he should remain with the Amerks for the bulk of the coming season.
The NHL duties can be shouldered by Luukonen and Lyon, while Levi can continue to focus on his development in the American Hockey League.
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