The Buffalo Sabres on Saturday recalled goalie Devon Levi from the Rochester Americans and created a roster spot by placing center Ryan McLeod on injured reserved.
McLeod, who fell awkwardly in Thursday’s practice, played in Friday’s 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He registered his first NHL hat trick in Wednesday’s 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Sabres have used McLeod, who has scored 10 goals this season, up and down the lineup. He has recently pivoted the top line.
Since sending Levi to the AHL in mid-November, he has returned to the Sabres one other time, making a spot start Dec. 15. He could be back to play or because a goalie is injured.
Penguins star Evgeni Malkin hit Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in the head in Friday’s second period, earning a goalie interference penalty. After sitting on the ice for a moment and talking to the trainer, Luukkonen stayed in the game.
Levi, 23, has developed into one of the AHL’s top goalies, compiling a 12-3-1 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage in 17 games with the Amerks this season. He was recently named to the AHL All-Star Classic.
With Buffalo, he has registered 2-6-0 mark with a 3.97 goals-against average and an .876 save percentage in eight games.
The Sabres did not practice Saturday before flying to Seattle, where they begin a four-game road trip Monday afternoon against the Kraken. They’re scheduled to practice today.
Update: Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters in Seattle that Luukkonen is dealing with “nagging issues” and will be fine. He possibly will sit out Monday’s game.
Ruff said Malkin’s hit contributed to Luukkonnen’s status.
Meanwhile, Ruff said McLeod has an upper-body injury from taking a hit in practice but is expected back by the end of the week.
Sorry I love the Sabres but they just downright suck. The goaltending is horrible. Every goalie has good games, even backups and emergency call ups. Which the current goalies they have now do have good games, but 4-5 goals a night even when winning games? They had Ullmark and let him go because of money and he immediately went to the finals with Boston. Just traded last year and got Byram and now looking to trade him. Cozens coming into his prime and watch they will trade him. This franchise is a hot mess!