Rookie goaltender split time between AHL Rochester and Buffalo last season.
The Buffalo Sabres signed goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to a five-year, $23.75 million contract ($4.75 million AAV) on Wednesday, locking him up until the age of 30 and through three years of unrestricted free agency. In spite of the deal being a very reasonable cap hit, the length of the deal and commitment to Luukkonen brings up the question of what it means for the future of Devon Levi.
Last season after Levi was demoted to Rochester in January, Luukkonen thrived with a heavy workload, making a career-high 51 starts, 27 victories and five shutouts, which might be an indicator of how new coach Lindy Ruff will use the 25-year-old next season.
Levi also played his best once he got regular work with the Amerks, posting a 16-6-4 record and 2.42 GAA in 26 games. One of the biggest questions to be answered after training camp will be how the club divvies up the goaltending workload. If the intention is to once again lean heavily on Luukkonen, then free agent James Reimer could serve as the backup and the 22-year-old (who is waiver-exempt) could start next season in Rochester.
As for the long-term outlook, Levi is entering the final year of his three-year entry-level contract. With the veteran Reimer on a one-year deal, Levi’s place on the Sabres roster would be almost certain with him on a one-way contract in 2025, but there has to be a question of whether the Montreal native sees his path to being a #1 goaltender being blocked by Luukkonen or whether he will take the patient approach and wait for his opportunity.
