In a surprising move, the Buffalo Sabres announced today that they have reassigned goaltender Devon Levi to AHL Rochester. The decision, made by head coach Lindy Ruff, comes after Levi struggled to find his footing in the NHL this season. As the Sabres prepare for a crucial stretch of games, they are turning to veteran options to bolster their chances.

Levi, a promising 22-year-old goaltender, had been sitting as a backup for 11 of the last 15 games, which hasn't been ideal for his development. Coach Ruff cited the need for more playing time as a key reason for the decision, stating, "We believe Devon needs to play more consistently to reach his full potential."

While Levi's struggles this season have been notable—he has only been able to secure wins in two of his six starts and is currently boasting a disappointing .870 save percentage and a 3.95 goals-against average—his past performance holds promise. Last season in the AHL, he achieved an impressive record of 16-6-4 with a .927 save percentage and 2.42 goals-against average in 26 games. This followed a stellar college career at Northeastern, where he won the prestigious Mike Richter Award, highlighting his potential as the NCAA's top goalie.

Buffalo will utilize Levi’s roster spot to call up Isak Rosén from Rochester. The young winger, who has been lighting up the AHL with 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in just 14 games, is expected to make an impact, even if he's likely to return to the AHL once star center Tage Thompson is fit to play again.

In a twist of fate, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to return to the ice against the Kings this Wednesday after overcoming an undisclosed injury. This return is crucial for the Sabres’ playoff ambitions, as Luukkonen has proven to be a key player for the team. The reassignment of Levi and the expected return of Thompson suggest a strategic reshuffling by the Sabres to re-energize the roster in pursuit of a playoff spot.

Despite a rocky start to the season, the Sabres remain hopeful. With Levi’s return to the AHL, the team will now rely on veteran James Reimer as the backup behind Luukkonen. After a brief stint with the Anaheim Ducks, Reimer has returned to Buffalo following a waiver claim, with the aim of stabilizing a goaltending situation that has faced challenges in recent weeks.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Buffalo to see if these changes will help the team contend for a playoff berth or if additional adjustments will be necessary. The clock is ticking, and fans are eager to see how this bold move will shape the Sabres' season!