Oilers Poised to Land Goalie Devon Levi in Low-Cost, High-Upside Trade with Sabres

The Edmonton Oilers are closing in on a potential trade for Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi, a young netminder with a high ceiling and minimal financial risk. The deal could materialize with little more than a minor asset or draft pick, offering the Oilers a cost-effective solution to fill their long-term goaltending void.

Levi, 23, has shown glimpses of elite potential since making his NHL debut with the Sabres in 2023. His .964 save percentage at the 2023 World Juniors and standout numbers at Northeastern University, where he posted a .943 SV% and 1.61 GAA, hint at a player who can thrive under pressure. He even led Buffalo to a playoff berth in 2023 with strong performances down the stretch.

However, Levi’s NHL track record has been inconsistent. Over the past two seasons, he recorded an .894 SV% across 34 games, bouncing between the NHL and AHL. In 2025–26, he spent the majority of the season with the Rochester Americans, raising questions about his readiness for a full-time NHL role.

The Oilers’ interest makes sense given their struggles in net. Jack Campbell, signed to a $6 million cap hit for 2025–26, has failed to live up to expectations and is now on the trade block. A move to acquire Levi would give Edmonton a young, affordable goalie with upside and minimal cap exposure. His entry-level contract is set to expire after the 2026–27 season, making him a low-risk, high-reward gamble.

Buffalo, already stocked with strong goaltending in Linus Ullmark and Dustin Williams, is expected to trade Levi in the next two weeks. The Sabres could settle for a draft pick or a minor player, given the limited term left on Levi’s deal. For Edmonton, the move could provide a long runway to develop a potential franchise starter.

If Levi can return to his college form and benefit from consistent playing time and coaching, he could become a 25- to 30-win starter. The Oilers have the luxury of time and flexibility to test his potential without burning a top prospect or giving up valuable cap space. The worst-case scenario? A minor loss in assets with little on-ice impact.

The trade is expected to be finalized before the NHL’s July 10 trade deadline. If completed, it would give the Oilers a chance to build around a young goaltender with the upside to become a cornerstone for years to come.