Devon Levi lands in Edmonton with something to prove under Mike Babcock, and his remarks about Buffalo have a clear advantage.
Levi, who spent the entire previous season with the Rochester Americans, was acquired by the Edmonton Oilers from the Buffalo Sabres in a transaction involving an exchange of 2028 draft selections on July 1.
Levi, now 24, isn’t shy about how much he desired another chance to play in the NHL. Despite the potential for three goalies in Edmonton, he is not worried.
Levi told The Gazette, “I don’t care about that at all.” “When I’m called upon to play, it is my responsibility to maintain the puck’s position outside the net.”
That response alone gave off the impression of a goalie prepared to compete. Especially when discussing his lengthy time in Rochester, his comments on Buffalo went further.
Levi said, “I believe I’ve done my time (in the AHL) and experienced what I need to.” “The past season and a half have seen me grow a lot.”
Devon Levi expresses his dissatisfaction with Buffalo.
When Levi discussed what being kept out of the NHL had done to him psychologically, he delivered the most powerful statement. It didn’t sound like someone recalling the Sabres’ judgment with delight.
He stated that “being held back genuinely ignited the fire within.” “It’s just a matter of time until I become one of the top goalies in the league.”
Prior to spending the years 2025–2026 in Rochester, Levi played 39 games in the NHL for Buffalo in three seasons. In the 52 games he played there, he had a save percentage of 0.904 and a goals-against average of 2.83.
His wording once more demonstrated how desperate he was to get out of that position, even though he admitted that the AHL period aided his growth.
“I believe I absolutely required the games in the AHL,” Levi stated. “It took me a year and a half to be ready for the NHL game.”
Edmonton provides the opportunity he had hoped for. Levi won’t just be handed starts because Frederik Andersen and Tristan Jarry are also in the crease.
However, Levi sounds prepared to make the Sabers watch from afar after feeling “held back” in Buffalo.
“I’ve never felt more prepared,” Levi stated. “I just want to play.”
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