Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on May 22 that NHL analyst Kevin Weekes said Ottawa is one of several teams exploring a trade for 24-year-old Devon Levi.
- Levi spent the 2025–26 season with the AHL’s Rochester Americans and posted a 2.83 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage, figures that fell from his prior AHL season.
- Levi is under a two-year, $1.625 million contract with one year remaining and will become a restricted free agent next summer with arbitration eligibility, giving an acquiring team limited short-term control.
- Ottawa’s internal options — Leevi Meriläinen (RFA), Mads Søgaard (UFA) and veteran James Reimer (UFA) — all carry contract or performance questions that make a trade for an affordable backup attractive.
- Buffalo’s depth of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Colton Ellis and reports of a strained relationship with Levi increase the chances the Sabres would consider offers and leave what to watch next being the price Ottawa must pay whether that is a player like Meriläinen or draft assets.