When the Sabres signed Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to a five-year deal last offseason, it signaled a commitment to a more cautious, long-term strategy with Levi. It suggested the team was willing to give him time to grow in the AHL without pressure to immediately carry the load. Based on Levi’s potential, this could be the best path toward finally securing a true franchise goaltender—their first since Ryan Miller. Luukkonen’s contract doesn’t just provide stability in net; it gives Levi room to ease into the NHL. When he does become a full-time NHL goalie, he won’t have to be the starter from day one—unless, of course, he plays so well that the coaching staff has no choice but to hand him the crease. Whether he starts out splitting duties with Luukkonen or serving as a backup, Levi will have the opportunity to transition at his own pace. Levi is Dominating in the AHL Saying Levi is dominating the AHL almost feels like an understatement. His confidence is sky high, and he’s starting to resemble the same goalie who turned heads at Northeastern University. The numbers back it up—his AHL stats over the past two seasons are nothing short of stellar: 2023–24 Season 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs 2024–25 Season 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs (so far) For perspective, Dustin Wolf—likely a Calder Trophy finalist this season in the NHL—spent three full seasons in the AHL with the Stockton Heat/Calgary Wranglers before sticking in the NHL with the Flames. In his final AHL season (2023–24) with the Wranglers, he posted a 2.09 GAA and a .932 SV%, yet the Flames still opted to keep him in the minors for development. Based on that model, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Sabres take the same cautious path with Levi. Yes, the anticipation to see Levi in the NHL is growing—and rightfully so—but the reality is, goaltenders often need more than just a couple of AHL seasons to fully mature. The Sabres seem committed to giving him that time. While the entire Americans roster has stepped up this postseason, Levi has been nothing short of sensational. He’s been the backbone of their playoff run, helping the Americans sweep the Syracuse Crunch 3–0 in their best-of-five first-round series advancing to the North Division Finals. His playoff performance so far includes: If the Americans make a run to the Calder Cup Final, there’s no question Levi will be the driving force behind it. He’s on track to be a high-level NHL goaltender for years to come. But for now, staying in the AHL to continue developing—and chasing a Calder Cup—remains the best move for both Levi and the Sabres.