The Florida Panthers initially drafted Devon Levi in the 7th round 212th overall in the 2020 Draft. But after the emergence of Spencer Knight, the Panthers opted to move Levi to the Buffalo Sabres. The deal sent Levi and a 1st round pick to the Sabres in exchange for Sam Reinhart.
Since that trade Levi has done nothing but exceed all expectations. Last season at Northeastern University Levi put up an astounding .952 save percentage and a 1.54 goals against average. This year Levi followed that up by posting a .933 S% and 2.24 GAA.
Today the Sabres announced they'd signed Levi to a historic contract for a 7th round pick. Chris Johnston provided the following information:
For a 7th round pick it is unheard of for a player to receive this sort of bonuses, but the Sabres have viewed Levi as their long-term solution in goal since acquiring the goaltender. Rather than risking losing the goalie as an unsigned free agent the Sabres doubled down and offered him as much money as possible.
With the steps the Sabres have taken forward this season, they're hopeful that Levi can step into the NHL and make an impact sooner rather than later.
POLL | ||
MARS 17 | 597 ANSWERS Former 7th round pick signed to historic NHL contract When will the Buffalo Sabres make the playoffs next? | ||
Next Season | 374 | 62.6 % |
2024-2025 | 113 | 18.9 % |
2025-2026 | 58 | 9.7 % |
Later than 2026 | 52 | 8.7 % |
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