Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Why did Sabres rookie goalie Devon Levi choose No. 27?

BUFFALO – No. 1, which Sabres newcomer Devon Levi sported during his decorated college career at Northeastern, is worn by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, another rookie goalie.

So Levi, who signed his entry-level contract Friday, chose No. 27, digits that hold special meaning.

“(It) was my number of choice because growing up, it was my favorite number,” an excited Levi said Monday in KeyBank Center. “I feel like little me would be happy that I chose ... Read the full article

Devon Levi joins Sabres, immigration paperwork must be finalized

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie prospect Devon Levi arrived in town Saturday night and watched Sunday afternoon’s 7-0 loss to the Boston Bruins from the press box.

So when will Levi, who signed his entry-level contract Friday, practice with his new teammates? Sabres coach Don Granato said Levi, who’s Canadian, is “doubtful” for today’s session because his immigration paperwork must be finalized.

On Friday, general Kevyn Adams said Levi, a decorated college goalie at Northeastern, will ... Read the full article

Sabres fall behind early, get clobbered by Bruins: ‘We believe we’re still in it’

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ regression over the past three weeks has been startling. After positioning themselves to compete for their first playoff spot in 12 years, they’ve imploded, dropping nine of their last 11 games.

The Sabres aren’t just losing; opponents are annihilating them. Sunday afternoon’s ugly 7-0 loss to the Boston Bruins marked the third time in their last 10 outings they’ve allowed seven or more goals and lost by at least six.

Since ... Read the full article

Sabres change forwards to keep them fresh; Will Devon Levi play this season?

BUFFALO – For four months, center Tyson Jost enjoyed regular duty. His arrival helped solidify the Sabres down the middle, giving them a two-way presence to pivot their third or fourth line.

But Jost sat out Friday’s 5-2 road loss to the Philadelphia Flyers as a healthy scratch. So did winger JJ Peterka, a rookie who scored one goal and three points in the previous two games.

In their places, Sabres coach Don Granato ... Read the full article

After signing contract, goalie prospect Devon Levi will report to Sabres

Less than two years ago, as general manager Kevyn Adams began rebuilding the Buffalo Sabres, he acquired an intriguing goalie prospect named Devon Levi.

Despite having backstopped Team Canada to a silver medal at the 2021 World Junior Championship, Levi, who on Friday signed a three-year, entry-level contract and will report to the Sabres, was still a bit of an unknown.

A rib injury Levi had suffered with Canada sidelined him his entire freshman ... Read the full article

Sabres sign goalie prospect Devon Levi to entry-level contract

The Buffalo Sabres this afternoon signed goalie prospect Devon Levi to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Levi, 21, just completed his junior season at Northeastern, where he was arguably the NCAA’s best goalie over the past two years.

Levi registered a 17-12-5 record with a 2.24 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage and six shutouts in 34 games this season. On Saturday, the Huskies lost their first game of the Hockey East ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Brandon Biro quietly becoming elite AHL talent with Amerks

ROCHESTER – Last month, Buffalo Sabres prospect Brandon Biro approached Americans coach Seth Appert with a simple question: am I still playing well?

Biro, 25, had been on a tear nearly all season, scoring at more than a point per game clip. In December, he had six consecutive two-point outings and 16 points in 10 contests.

Then, suddenly, the center hit an offensive rut when the calendar turned to 2023. He endured a seven-game point ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Devon Levi named Hockey East POY, Hobey Baker finalist

A dynamic season in which Buffalo Sabres goalie prospect Devon Levi has compiled the NCAA’s highest save percentage has earned him Hockey East Player of the Year honors and a spot among the 10 Hobey Baker Award finalists.

Levi, a junior at Northeastern, has registered a 17-12-5 record with a 2.24 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage and six shutouts in 34 games this season. On Saturday, the Huskies lost their first game ... Read the full article

If Sabres’ Alex Tuch returns from injury, Victor Olofsson could be scratched

TORONTO – Winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin both participated in the Buffalo Sabres’ well-attended optional skate this morning.

So, will they play tonight against the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena? Sabres coach Don Granato said early this afternoon he hadn’t set the lineup.

“I don’t have any lineup decisions yet,” said Granato, whose Sabres have lost four straight games (0-3-1). “There’s a couple that need to be made.”

... Read the full article

Alex Tuch scores twice in return, helps Sabres roar back to beat Maple Leafs

TORONTO – Realistically, if the Buffalo Sabres couldn’t defeat the Maple Leafs on Monday, their faint playoff hopes were likely over.

They had been reeling, and the same team that briefly grabbed the Eastern Conference’s second wild card spot late last month fell seven points behind as it lost four straight games and six of its last seven.

The Sabres must go on a late-season run, and in a hurry. Well, Monday’s 4-3 come-from-behind victory ... Read the full article