Buffalo Sabres goaltending prospect Devon Levi has officially landed on the summer trade block after failing to climb the organizational depth chart. NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently ranked the twenty four year old goaltender twenty third on his initial 2026 offseason trade board. General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen and head coach Lindy Ruff have indicated the team will likely carry three netminders next season, leaving Levi as the odd man out in Western New York.
Crowded Goaltending Crease in Downtown Buffalo
Levi currently sits fourth on the depth chart behind Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis. Despite high expectations following his arrival via the Sam Reinhart trade with the Florida Panthers, Levi spent the majority of last season developing with the Rochester Americans. He posted a 2.83 goals against average and a .904 save percentage over fifty two games for the American Hockey League affiliate.
Ottawa Senators Lead Suitors for Levi
The Ottawa Senators are aggressively pursuing Levi as they search for a reliable backup behind Linus Ullmark. Reports indicate that Ottawa may offer restricted free agent Leevi Merilainen as a potential return asset to finalize the deal. Other logical trade partners include the St. Louis Blues and his original draft team, the Florida Panthers, who both require young depth at the goaltending position.
The Local Impact on Sabres Roster Decisions
Moving a high profile prospect like Levi directly affects the offseason strategy for the franchise operating out of the Cobblestone District. The Sabres management team needs to clear roster space and acquire assets to build a sustainable playoff contender. Trading Levi could yield necessary draft capital or immediate forward depth to support elite finishers like Tage Thompson at KeyBank Center.
What Happens Next
The NHL offseason transactional window will rapidly accelerate as the Stanley Cup Final concludes this month. Fans tracking the Buffalo roster should watch for potential trades involving Levi leading up to the NHL Draft in late June. The free agency period opening on July 1 will force general managers across the league to finalize their goaltending depth charts.