Prospect Info: Devon Levi, G, Northeastern University (obtained in Reinhart deal) - Assigned to Roch 12/15/24

[CaliSabresfan24]

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[Jim Bob]

However, there is a difference between Levi and Shesterkin. The Rangers goalie tends to play more upright than Levi. And that’s something to keep an eye on.

At the NCAA level, especially on a team like Northeastern that doesn’t allow many chances against off lateral plays, Levi could employ a wide stance. He played behind a predictable and effective Northeastern defense that allowed him to focus on the shooter.

That’s not going to be the case with the Sabres, a team that has yet to figure out how to defend. Chances against are up in Buffalo. Odd man rushes are happening far too often and passes are zipping through Buffalo’s seams. Should Levi receive his first NHL start this season, he’s going to face the fastest offense he’s ever seen while tending goal behind the worst defense he’s played behind in years. Maybe ever.

Levi’s wide stance, and lack of height, is slightly concerning. No matter how well he tracks pucks, the visual space available to NHL shooters will be enticing. And his width will be troublesome moving side-to-side. The lower a goalie’s stance, the more locked into position they become.

Occasionally Levi gets stuck reacting to quick plays by lunging rather than pushing, and it’s directly attributable to his wide stance. But Levi could get away with it at the NCAA level due to his natural flexibility and outstanding body control. He doesn’t spend much time on his stomach or back. Levi gives himself a chance to make most saves.

I’m also curious to see how Levi handles traffic at the pro level. When the play is at a distance, he prefers to stay upright in his stance. But once he loses sight of the puck, Levi has a tendency to widen out and try to look around traffic rather than over it.

Patience is a virtue.

But keep in mind that there will be a learning curve for Levi. Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger came from Boston University with similar hype, but required over 50 games of AHL experience before he was ready to step into a No.1 role at the NHL level.

Carter Hart started in the AHL before graduating – possibly early in my eyes – to the Philadelphia Flyers. And Carey Price won a Calder Cup with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs before starring with the Montreal Canadiens. Patience matters with goalies.

Spencer Knight of the Florida Panthers might be the closest comparable to Levi. After two monster seasons at Boston College, he jumped immediately to the NHL after the completion of his sophomore year.

Knight looked incredible in his first six NHL games at the tail end of the 2021 season, including two appearances during the Stanley Cup playoffs. But reality hit hard the following season, and Knight was sent to the AHL to retool.

I think Knight is the perfect example of a goaltender being rushed. He needed some AHL time at the start of his pro career but didn’t get it until he hit a rough patch in the NHL. The process was backwards. And he’s still trying to find his way as an NHL goaltender.

I hope the Sabres are prepared to be patient with Levi. And hopefully they have a plan in case things go sideways. Maybe Levi starts in the NHL and never looks back. He has the talent to do it.

But Buffalo has to get it right with Levi. He’s the best goaltending prospect to come out of NCAA hockey since Ryan Miller, who won the 2000-01 Hobey Baker Memorial Award his junior year and signed shortly thereafter with the Sabres.

Miller played three full seasons – including the 2004-05 NHL lockout year – in the AHL before cracking Buffalo’s lineup on a full-time basis.

I don’t think Levi will need that long to adjust to the NHL. He’s a cerebral goaltender who has been able to adapt to different leagues and circumstances very quickly. Levi’s play has been consistent because it’s rooted in technique and restraint. There’s a self-awareness to his game that breeds confidence among teammates.

Maybe most importantly, Levi has experience with pressure situations. The Beanpot is a huge deal in college hockey, and Levi shined for Northeastern in this year’s tournament. He won a silver medal at the World Junior Championships and competed at the Olympics.

I’ve seen Levi perform and succeed on some big stages leading up to his NHL debut. And I think with time, he can replicate it. Just be patient.

 

[Chainshot]

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[paulmm3]

When I worked in corporate America, sh*tty projects with long hours and high demands were euphemistically referred to as "good learning opportunities". Playing goalie behind the Sabres defense will be a good learning opportunity for Devon Levi.

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[WhereAreTheCookies]

Pretty good read. It's nice to see Levi's perspective on the expectations, and it seems like they won't be an issue for him to deal with. I just hope the fans and especially the media can temper those expectations when he isn't dominating games from the start, let alone at any point in his career.

Eichel was treated like the savior early on, and that did not end well at all. Hopefully we can avoid making that same mistake with Levi.

 

[Chainshot]

As an aside -



That's his bestie and he's staying.

 

[Jim Bob]

If they do do that...

 

[oldgoalie]

If they do do that...

he's gonna play soon?

 

[Nhlpowerweek]

he's gonna play soon?

Is he gon like play tonight or friday?

 

[Jim Bob]

Is he gon like play tonight or friday?

Nope.

He can't even practice with the team yet as he waits for his immigration paperwork to go through and he has a valid work visa to replace his student visa.

 

[jcbeze]

he's gonna play soon?

Of course he is. UPL and Comrie haven't done anything lately and Anderson can't play more than about once a week.

 

[Jim Bob]

he's gonna play soon?

I guess it depends on your definition of soon.

The first barrier is waiting on a work visa to replace his student visa.

Then he will be able to practice with the team. I have a feeling they will want to see him look comfortable in practice before they throw him in a game.

 

[Nhlpowerweek]

Nope.

He can't even practice with the team yet as he waits for his immigration paperwork to go through and he has a valid work visa to replace his student visa.

Oh ok sire. Thank you for the information. Maybe friday.

 

[Jim Bob]

Oh ok sire. Thank you for the information. Maybe friday.

I highly doubt it is that soon.

Maybe at home vs the Rangers a week from Friday or on the road trip after that game is the soonest I would guess right now.

Just some other goalies and the games they played as they developed outside of the NHL.

Levi's 66 GP at Northeastern does not seem like anywhere near enough to get him NHL ready.

 

[Nhlpowerweek]

I highly doubt it is that soon.

Maybe at home vs the Rangers a week from Friday or on the road trip after that game is the soonest I would guess right now.

View attachment 673300

Just some other goalies and the games they played as they developed outside of the NHL.

Levi's 66 GP at Northeastern does not seem like anywhere near enough to get him NHL ready.

Even more appreciation to you sire thank you.
Even some workers at nhl com etc didnt knew these Facts. Since they recommended to add Levi for this current week. They is not smartz.

 

[Jim Bob]

Even more appreciation to you sire thank you.
Even some workers at nhl com etc didnt knew these Facts. Since they recommended to add Levi for this current week. They is not smartz.

Since he is still watching practice from the bench, it looks like he is still awaiting the work visa.

My guess is that they did not think about that complication. They were doing the surface level knee jerk reaction that the Sabres have not gotten good goaltending and maybe they would throw Levi in and see what happens.

But, it is not that simple.

 

[SnuggaRUDE]

Could his American cousin Cal O'Levi play?

 

[Taro Tsujimoto]

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[Jim Bob]

Devon Levi joins the show - Sabres Live

New Sabres goaltender Devon Levi joins the show on his first couple days with the Sabres

omny.fm

Devon shows up around the 13 minute mark.

He is waiting on new gear from CCM as his Northeastern gear does not meet NHL rules.

 

[Jim Bob]

When will he play?​

Levi still hasn’t gotten into a practice, but he has been skating on his own. The Montreal native was playing under a student visa at Northeastern and now needs a work visa. Once that paperwork is completed, Levi can get on the ice for practice. Granato wants him to play in games this season, but he wants to wait until he’s gotten up to speed. He needs new equipment and that equipment needs to be measured and approved by the NHL. He needs to adjust to the speed of NHL shooters and get his timing down at this level. Once the Sabres feel comfortable with where he is in that process, Granato will be ready to put him in a game. Levi’s first practice will likely be Thursday. The team then plays three games in four days at home against the Devils, on the road against the Islanders and at home on Monday against the Canadiens, Levi’s hometown team. That seems like the earliest it would be reasonable to expect him in a game, assuming the Sabres want him to get his first start at home.

 

[Chainshot]

Three in four seems that it would be unlikely to get him sufficient practice time. While it makes for TV series drama to have him play against Montreal, it's probably more likely later in the season, like the last week, than next week.