The Buffalo Sabres are fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, that playoff chance is growing less likely with each passing day.

The Sabres are now six points out of the final wild card spot. Buffalo still has three games in hand on the New York Islanders but with the Washington Capitals and Florida Panthers also ahead of Buffalo, that playoff drought might extend to a 12th year.

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Sabres fans were happy on Friday, March 17th (St. Patrick's Day), however, because they finally brought their goaltender of the future into the organization with a new contract.

The Sabres announced they have signed goaltender Devon Levi to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Levi has been the best goalie in college hockey over the past two seasons. He was originally a 6th round draft pick of the Florida Panthers in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, before being traded to the Sabres as part of the Sam Reinhart trade in 2021.

Levi lit up the Sabres development camp last September, while also surprising some by returning to Northeastern University for his second season. He was also the best player at the World Juniors in 2021 and it's evident that he is the Sabres goalie of the future.

One thing Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams mentioned on Friday was that Levi will spend the remainder of the season in Buffalo. He won't be reporting to Rochester and perhaps we see him in game action at some point.

Levi's only 6'0'' but while he doesn't have that stereotypical size you want from a goaltender, he has crazy good athleticism and reflexes. He's always in good position and never overcommits on a play.

He's a cerebral player who thinks critically and doesn't give you the standard line when talking to the media. He matches the play and personality of Ryan Miller, which is lofty praise, but that's the goalie comparison fans are making.

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