A theory on Sabres goaltending in 2023/24

Buffalo appears set to run it back with the same trio they ended last season with and that's curious, isn't it?

Devon Levi will be one of three returning goalies to vie for the majority of starts this season…barring a trade, of course. (Photo: Joe Yerdon)

In the past few days/weeks, I’ve done a few radio interviews and may have even mentioned in the most recent episode of Maintenance Day, but I have a working theory about why the Buffalo Sabres’ only moves regarding goaltending pertain to the Rochester Americans and not necessarily at the NHL level.

Goaltending was a major issue last season as a lack of consistency plagued the team all season long. Attribute that to injuries skewing starts and the rotation or to Craig Anderson’s limited availability due to being 41 or how the team played in front of them. They’re all part of the problem but no one of them is the sole issue and it’s led to virtually everyone to conclude they’re going to address the position during the offseason.

Kevyn Adams has addressed it a couple times saying he believes he has three NHL goaltenders in Eric Comrie, Devon Levi, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. And yes, they are all NHL goaltenders, those facts are undeniable. They’ve made it to the NHL and are capable of shutting down opponents.

Levi is clearly the one they’re hoping takes the No. 1 spot and runs with it for years to come. He was the goalie of choice to try and rally them into the playoffs last season despite having just left Northeastern.

Adams spoke about how he had Luukkonen over to his house for dinner and to watch some of the playoffs before he headed home to Finland for the summer. Adams says he believes in him, and he’s said it a few times now.

Comrie dealt with injuries and inconsistent play but played well late in the season.

Still, the trio offers far more questions than answers and my thought as to why they’re sticking with who they know is because those three know best as to what they’re dealing with in front of them.

Let’s kick this around a little bit.