The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed restricted free-agent goaltender Devon Levi to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $812,500. The deal, announced Thursday, locks in the 23-year-old goalie through the 2026-27 season. This "prove it" deal arrives at a crucial juncture for Levi, who was once considered one of the top goalie prospects.

Levi's journey has been marked by both promise and challenges. Drafted by the Florida Panthers in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Draft, he was acquired by the Sabres in July 2021 in the Sam Reinhart trade. After concluding his college career at Northeastern University, Levi made his NHL debut with the Sabres in March 2023. He showed initial promise, but has struggled to maintain consistency at the NHL level.

In 39 NHL games (36 starts) with the Sabres over the last three seasons, Levi has a 17-17-2 record with a 3.29 goals-against average (GAA) and an .894 save percentage. Last season, he had a 2-7-0 record, a 4.12 GAA, and a .872 save percentage in nine games with the Sabres.

However, Levi has consistently excelled in the AHL with the Rochester Americans. In 68 regular-season games, he has 41 wins, a 2.28 GAA, and a .922 save percentage. During the 2024-25 season, his 2.20 GAA and .919 save percentage ranked among the best in the AHL. He also recorded seven shutouts, which led the league. In 13 Calder Cup Playoff games, Levi has seven wins, a 2.54 GAA, and a .916 save percentage.

The Sabres' current goaltending situation includes Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and veteran free-agent signing Alex Lyon. Luukkonen is the projected starter after a breakout 2023–24 campaign. Lyon, 32, is expected to serve as a reliable backup.

Levi's new contract positions him to prove his long-term value to the Sabres. He will earn a salary of $775,000 in the first year and $850,000 in the second year. This "prove it" deal could determine whether he becomes Buffalo's starting goaltender in the future. If Levi can outperform Lyon and challenge Luukkonen, he could become a key part of the Sabres' future. However, if he fails to improve his NHL performance, he could become a career AHL player.

Despite the challenges, the Sabres remain committed to Levi's development. The team hopes he can establish himself as a quality NHL goaltender over the next two seasons. This contract provides Levi with the opportunity to demonstrate his potential and solidify his role within the organization.