Buffalo putting all their hopes in rookie goaltender in a make-or-break season
The Buffalo Sabres have not wavered in their belief that the organization's goaltending problems have been answered with the addition of Devon Levi and thus far, their confidence in the 21-year-old is justified.
Levi stepped right into the NHL after winning consecutive Mike Richter Awards (the NCAA’s award for best goaltender) at Northeastern University and went 5-2 in April with the Sabres still in the race for an Eastern Conference playoff spot.
“We would not have put him in the net last year when he came in at the end of the season if we didn't believe that 1) it was going to help us win hockey games, and 2) it was going to ultimately be best for him in his development and his career.” Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said at the start of training camp. “I think what he showed is that the maturity (that) no stage is too big for him. He's prepared.”
Levi has maintained a high level of performance in camp, outplaying Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Eric Comrie in two starts against Boston and Columbus. Head coach Don Granato sees similarities between him and borderline Hockey Hall of Famers who were roommates from his college days.
"There were two goalies that I'm very familiar with, that had incredible NHL careers, both of whom I roomed with while I was at Wisconsin, Mike Richter and Curtis Joseph. (Levi) has a lot of attributes combined (from) those two guys." Granato said. "Curtis was an amazing athlete, with flexibility, mobility, and agility. Mike was very cerebral. I would sit there and talk about books we read on sports psychology. He was very methodical in that and very knowledgeable of the position itself. goaltending, and the angles and shooters. Devon has both of those qualities. He's quick as any goalie, but he also has that real cerebral side."
News and Injury Updates
Veteran defenseman Eric Johnson has not played a game in the preseason and was held out of Wednesday’s 5-3 loss in Columbus due to soreness, but Granato indicated that he will play in the Sabres final exhibition contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Forward Brett Murray cleared waivers on Thursday and was assigned to the Rochester Americans. The 25-year-old winger scored 49 points (23 goals, 26 assists) in 71 AHL games last season, finishing second behind Jiri Kulich in goals for the Amerks.
Granato provided an update on rookie Matthew Savoie, who suffered an upper-body injury during the Sabres prospect challenge on September 18. The 19-year-old is still recovering but is expected to practice for the first time on Friday and slowly ramp up his conditioning after missing almost three weeks.
It is likely that the 2022 first-round pick will start the season on injured reserve.