Levi - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres injuries: Mattias Samuelsson, Tage Thompson could play Friday

BUFFALO – When Sabres goalie Devon Levi makes his highly anticipated NHL debut Friday against the New York Rangers, he could be playing behind a full lineup.

Sabres coach Don Granato said following today’s practice at KeyBank Center that defenseman Mattias Samuelsson, center Tage Thompson and winger Jordan Greenway will all be game-time decisions. The three regulars have been recovering from upper-body injuries.

Samuelsson practiced today for the first time since getting injured March 11. ... Read the full article

In ‘heady’ Lukas Rousek, Sabres have unique prospect: ‘Attacks every day’

BUFFALO – The bench erupted like the Sabres had won the game. Ecstatic players stood and raised their arms in celebration after winger Lukas Rousek scored less than four minutes into his NHL debut.

As Rousek, 23, skated along the bench for the customary post-goal glove bumps, each of his teammates had a wide smile on his face.

“First shift, first shot, so it was awesome,” Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin said of Rousek’s goal in ... Read the full article

After immigration paperwork finalized, Sabres’ Devon Levi ready to go: ‘Can’t keep the beast tamed’

BUFFALO – For almost a week, Sabres goalie Devon Levi anxiously waited for his immigration paperwork to be finalized.

Levi, 21, could be around the team, he just couldn’t practice. For the rookie, who’s known as a rink rat, that wasn’t easy.

“How I was thinking about it is you can’t keep the beast tamed in the cage for too long before getting out and being hungry,” Levi said after participating in Friday morning’s optional ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Eric Comrie enduring ‘difficult’ season, excited to see Devon Levi play

BUFFALO – Eric Comrie sees a bright spot in his trying season. Other than a brief conditioning stint in the minors, the Sabres goalie has stayed put here.

In past seasons, he has led a nomadic existence, bouncing all over North America. Over one two-year stretch, he was claimed on waivers four times.

So while he has battled injuries, lost his starting job and recently allowed 10 goals in one game, the affable Comrie, ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Devon Levi waiting for immigration paperwork to be finalized

BUFFALO – As the Sabres practiced Thursday morning in LECOM Harborcenter, goalie Devon Levi wheeled a cart filled with his equipment into the rink and grabbed a seat next to general manager Kevyn Adams in a suite.

Levi and Adams watched the rest of the session together before the rookie put his gear on and hopped on the ice after most of his teammates departed.

Levi’s immigration paperwork hasn’t been finalized, meaning he can’t practice ... Read the full article

As Sabres struggle, so is goalie Craig Anderson: ‘We owe him a lot more’

BUFFALO – In his two-year career with the Sabres, veteran goalie Craig Anderson had never been pulled from a game before Tuesday’s ugly 7-3 loss to the Nashville Predators.

Despite being the NHL’s oldest player, the 41-year-old’s play hasn’t declined much. Sure, he can’t handle a heavy workload anymore. Age has relegated him to backup status. Throughout his 20th season, he has started about once a week.

Anderson has performed so well at times ... Read the full article

Extra forwards, not performance, led to Sabres’ Tyson Jost getting scratched

BUFFALO – When coach Don Granato scratched Tyson Jost last week, he said he told the center the Sabres hadn’t lost their belief in him.

Of course, it would be understandable if Jost, a waiver claim in November, thought the worst. The Sabres are his third team since late last season. He knows what it’s like to lose a coach’s trust.

But Granato said he wanted “to reassure him that this decision is not rooted ... Read the full article

Devon Levi thrilled to join Sabres, play games: ‘I’m so happy to be here’

BUFFALO – Last week, shortly after Northeastern’s season ended, goalie Devon Levi and his parents and agents went on a Zoom call to talk to Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams, coach Don Granato and other members of the organization.

Levi, 21, developed a strong feel for the Sabres when he visited for development camp last summer. He liked what he experienced so much he said he did not want to leave town. He made new ... Read the full article

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