Senators Eye Devon Levi as Potential Backup Goalie for Next Season

As the Ottawa Senators evaluate their options for the backup goaltending position next season, a new name has emerged in the conversation: Devon Levi. The Buffalo Sabres farmhand is drawing interest from several teams, including the Senators, according to NHL analyst and former Ottawa 67’s goalie Kevin Weekes.

Weekes shared on social media, “Per what I’m told @BuffaloSabres G Devon Levi is a name of interest to several clubs including Ottawa that are looking to add to their goaltending position.” This potential move could mark a unique transition, as Ottawa began last season with Leevi Merilainen as their backup, possibly setting the stage for the first-ever Leevi to Levi goalie transition in NHL history.

Levi made a name for himself during the 2019-20 season while playing for the CCHL’s Carleton Place Canadians, where he posted an impressive 34-2-1 record, a 1.47 goals-against average, a .941 save percentage, and eight shutouts. His stellar performance earned him nearly every accolade in Canadian Junior A hockey that year.

Following his junior success, Levi continued to shine at the NCAA level with Northeastern University, while also representing Canada at the World Juniors. His international play was equally remarkable; he finished with a 6-1 record, a 0.75 goals-against average, a .964 save percentage, and three shutouts.

In the 2023-24 NHL season, he saw action in 23 games but has primarily been with the AHL’s Rochester Americans over the past two-and-a-half seasons. At just 24 years old, he currently finds himself behind a crowded crease in Buffalo, where he competes with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colton Ellis.

Levi’s contract status could make him an attractive option for the Senators. He signed a two-year deal worth $1.625 million with the Sabres last summer, averaging $812,500 annually. With one year remaining on his contract, he will also be under club control as he heads into restricted free agency next summer, although he is arbitration-eligible.

Originally drafted by the Florida Panthers in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Levi was part of the 2021 trade that sent Sam Reinhart to the Panthers. The Senators are still considering their internal goaltending options, including Merilainen (RFA), Mads Sogaard (UFA-G6), and veteran James Reimer (UFA), although each presents its own set of challenges as they all require new contracts.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.