Devon Levi Draws Trade Interest From Ottawa Senators

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi is attracting attention from multiple NHL teams ahead of the offseason. Reports indicate the Ottawa Senators are among those exploring the possibility of acquiring the young netminder as a potential backup option.

This development comes as the Senators prioritize adding a reliable backup to Linus Ullmark. General manager Steve Staios has emphasized the need for depth in the crease next season.

Trade interest builds around levi

Kevin Weekes has shared that several clubs have reached out regarding Levi’s availability. The Ottawa Senators stand out as one of the interested parties according to the veteran analyst.

Levi enters the final year of his contract valued at $812,500. Any move to the American Hockey League would trigger waivers, which explains why Buffalo appears open to exploring options.

Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is gauging market interest without committing to a specific deal. If a trade materializes, Buffalo could seek a goaltender in return such as Ottawa’s Leevi Merilainen.

• Levi has shown promise in limited NHL action with the Sabres.
• The Senators’ interest aligns with their stated priority for backup stability.
• Waivers complications make an immediate AHL assignment unlikely for any acquiring team.

Bruce Garrioch reported that the Senators could turn to Buffalo specifically for this solution. Merilainen, a pending restricted free agent, also carries waiver risks after a challenging season.

Other notable nhl rumors

Ilya Mikheyev’s situation with the Chicago Blackhawks continues to generate discussion. Elliotte Friedman noted on 32 Thoughts that Chicago likely cannot re-sign the pending unrestricted free agent.

Teams may now approach the Blackhawks to secure Mikheyev’s rights ahead of free agency. This opens the door for early negotiations before the market opens.

Sidney Crosby has signaled a flexible approach to his future with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The captain confirmed he will evaluate his career on a year-by-year basis.

Crosby, who turns 39 soon, has one year remaining on his current deal. He emphasized that shorter contracts provide more options and flexibility for both player and organization.

“Not at all. Yeah, I’m saying year to year based on contracts. It just seems to make sense. I mean, it could change. We’ll see. Kyle (Dubas) and I haven’t even talked about it. But I’ll talk with Pat (Brisson) and Kyle later this summer. We’ll talk about it and do what makes sense. If it does make sense to sign for a couple of years, then we’ll do that.”

Crosby remains committed to playing only for the Penguins. He sits 160 points behind Jaromir Jagr for second on the NHL’s all-time scoring list.

Implications for teams and players

These rumors highlight the active trade market developing around goaltending and pending free agents. The Senators’ pursuit of Levi reflects broader needs for depth behind established starters.

For the Sabres, testing the waters on Levi allows them to address roster balance while navigating contract and waiver rules. Any deal involving Merilainen would require careful evaluation given recent performance.

Crosby’s year-by-year stance gives Pittsburgh flexibility while he chases further milestones. Shorter deals also benefit general manager Kyle Dubas in planning around the salary cap.

The Blackhawks’ position on Mikheyev could lead to pre-free agency movement that benefits both sides. Rights deals often provide teams with a head start on negotiations.

These stories underscore the fluid nature of NHL roster building in late spring. Teams continue to position themselves for the summer months ahead.

What these developments mean for the upcoming season will become clearer as more details emerge.