Former 7th round pick signed to historic NHL contract

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Josh tupper
March 17, 2023 (3:21 PM)

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When it comes to signing College Free Agents it's rare to see a player signing an Entry Level Contract to receive anything more than a basic NHL deal. But Devon Levi isn't your average College player.

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:

Devon Levi's ELC terms may be unprecedented for a seventh-round pick. Full salary, full signing bonus and generous "Schedule A" performance bonuses ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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.