Are the Ottawa Senators about to steal a former top goaltending prospect from a division rival? According to insider Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Senators have shown a strong interest in Buffalo Sabres netminder Devon Levi as a potential backup for starter Linus Ullmark.
If you’re an Ottawa fan, this is exactly the kind of smart, low-risk, high-reward move your front office should be making. Levi, 24, spent last season grinding it out with the Sabres’ AHL affiliate in Rochester. Despite his pedigree as one of the best goaltenders to ever come out of the NCAA and his dominant showing for Team Canada at the 2021 IIHF World Juniors, he has been squeezed out of the crease in Western New York. With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen taking the reins, Alex Lyon stepping up, and Colten Ellis in the mix, Levi is the odd man out. He reportedly wants a change of scenery, and the Senators are perfectly positioned to offer him a lifeline.
The Buffalo Sabres Goalie Logjam: Why Devon Levi Needs a Fresh Start
From an analytical standpoint, the Buffalo Sabres mismanaged Devon Levi’s development by rushing him into the NHL too early before burying him in the AHL. However, the raw talent that made him a blue-chip prospect is still there. He relies on elite athleticism, incredible lateral quickness, and a high hockey IQ to track the puck through traffic.
Placing him in Ottawa behind a Vezina-caliber mentor like Linus Ullmark, who ironically also began his career navigating a crowded Buffalo Sabres crease, could be the exact recipe needed to unlock Levi’s full potential. Furthermore, Levi’s contract makes him an incredibly attractive asset for an Ottawa Senators team looking to optimize their salary cap. He has one year remaining on his deal with a highly manageable cap hit of just $812,500. The catch? He is no longer exempt from waivers, meaning Buffalo can’t just send him down to Rochester without risking losing him for nothing. A trade is imminent.
What a Devon Levi Trade Costs the Ottawa Senators
What would it take to pry Levi away from the Sabres? If Buffalo is looking for a goalie in return to replenish their system, the Senators could dangle Leevi Merilainen. Merilainen is a restricted free agent as of July 1 and is also no longer waiver-exempt. Swapping two young goalies who both need fresh starts is a classic hockey trade that benefits both organizations. Merilainen gets a shot in Rochester, while Levi gets an immediate NHL role in Canada’s capital.
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