The Buffalo Sabres have signed goaltender Alexandar Georgiev to a one-year contract worth $825,000. The team announced the signing on Thursday.
Georgiev, 29, spent last season with the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks. He appeared in a total of 49 games, posting an .875 save percentage. In 18 games with the Avalanche, Georgiev had a .874 save percentage and a 3.38 goals-against average. After being traded to the Sharks, he played 31 games with a .875 save percentage and a 3.88 goals-against average.
Prior to last season, Georgiev had established himself as a capable NHL goaltender. He led the league in wins in both 2022-23 and 2023-24 as a member of the Avalanche. In 2022-23, his first season as Colorado's number-one goalie, Georgiev went 40-16-6 with a .919 save percentage, finishing seventh in Vezina Trophy voting. He also represented the Avalanche at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game. Throughout his eight-season NHL career, Georgiev has played 303 games with the New York Rangers, Colorado, and San Jose.
The Sabres have been busy this offseason in solidifying their goaltending depth. Georgiev is the second goaltender signed by the Sabres this offseason, following the addition of Alex Lyon on a two-year contract in July. These veteran additions join returning players Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi, as well as recently signed prospects Scott Ratzlaff and Topias Leinonen.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is currently the Sabres' starting goaltender. The team also has high hopes for Devon Levi, who was acquired in a trade with the Florida Panthers. Levi has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency.
With Luukkonen entrenched as the starter and Levi's potential still developing, Georgiev's role with the Sabres is likely to be a depth position. He will compete with Lyon for the backup role and provide injury insurance. However, Georgiev will have the opportunity to prove himself in training camp and potentially regain his form. Coach Lindy Ruff is expected to play the best players, regardless of their contract status.
