Devon Levi provides Oilers some much needed optimism

The Edmonton Oilers biggest need to address this offseason was undoubtedly their goaltending position.

Thankfully on day one of free agency, they have at least worked towards this goal by acquiring highly touted goaltending prospect Devon Levi from the Buffalo Sabres the team announced.

This comes after Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman on an appearance on Oilers Now revealed to Bob Stauffer that the Oilers had shown interest in the goaltender. Saying "I heard you [Oilers] looked into him, obviously it didn't happen but you guys definitely did your research. There was at least interest."

Now, this has happened and it looks like a good bet by the Oilers who need to make good bets and use their money more efficiently in free agency.

The cost of acquiring a goaltender with such high pedigree was just a 2028 third round pick, while the Oilers also received a 2028 seventh round pick. It is notable that the difference between a third round pick and a seventh round pick in terms of the probability of finding an impactful NHL player is very minimal.

Levi has NHL upside

At just 24 years old, Levi has plenty of upside to become an NHL goaltender and an impactful one at that, he has played exceptionally well at every level he has played at. In 2021, he helped Canada capture a silver medal at the World Juniors, posting a .964 save percentage being named best goaltender of the tournament.

In two seasons with the Northeastern Huskies of the NCAA he had a 38-22-6 record with a .942 save percentage and 1.90 goals against average in 66 games, recording 16 shutouts. He captured numerous awards and accolades including the Mike Richter award twice and Tim Taylor awards as top goalie and top rookie. He was also a Hobey Baker award finalist both seasons in the NCAA as the top collegiate player.

Although he has not added to his trophy case since turning pro in 2023, he has continued to put up impressive numbers. Over the past three seasons he has split time with the Buffalo Sabes and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Rochester Americans. In the AHL he has played 120 games with a 64-39-22 record and a .914 save percentage and in the NHL he has played 39 games with a 17-17-2 record and a .894 save percentage.

How Levi will help the Oilers

It is unclear at this point where Levi slots in on the Oilers depth chart but it is likely that he shares some responsibility with current Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry. Acquired as a mid-season acquisition to help the Oilers struggling crease, Jarry has only added to their issues.

Jarry currently has two years left on his contract at $5.375 million and given the high cost, the Oilers may be stuck with him. Some speculate that he could see himself buried in the minors but he would still could against the team's cap and would not make a lot of sense. So, this leaves the Oilers with little options aside from sticking it out and trying to improve their situation.

Given Levi's age and profile as a consistently strong goaltender throughout his young career, there is some real optimism that he could be able to figure it out at the NHL level. If given the proper runway and insulation, Levi could prove to be the goalie of the future for the Oilers and help save their goaltending woes. He also costs the Oilers only $812,000 against the salary cap.

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