- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,200,654
- Reaction score
- 59
The Edmonton Oilers see Devon Levi as a long-term investment, but his path to a regular NHL role may depend on one important adjustment. The 24-year-old goaltender arrives in Edmonton with elite athletic ability, yet analysts believe refining his style will determine how quickly he earns meaningful starts.
The Oilers acquired Levi and a 2028 seventh-round pick from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2028 third-round selection. Signed through the 2026-27 season with an $812,500 cap hit, Levi gives Edmonton a cost-effective option behind veterans Frederik Andersen and Tristan Jarry.
MORE: Oilers goalie Frederik Andersen explains why he chose Edmonton
During a recent appearance on The Jason Gregor Show, goaltending analyst Kevin Woodley explained why Levi’s game must evolve.
“I don’t think you can play aggressively in today’s NHL and get away with it, even if you’re one of the fastest goalies in the league,” Woodley said.
He added, “Devin Levi would check that box as one of the fastest goalies in the league. But I do think he’s a goalie who likes to play with a lot of flow and relative aggression compared to his peers.”
Woodley believes Levi’s strengths become even more effective when he relies less on constant movement.
Former Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi (Now with the Edmonton Oilers) looks on at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Woodley pointed to Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf as the model Levi should study.
“He does not play aggressively. He is so controlled,” Woodley said. “He’s trended as one of the best goalies in the game for the past two years.”
He also praised Levi’s natural tools.
“His footwork is exceptional. His athleticism is exceptional. His puck tracking is exceptional,” Woodley said. “But being aggressive and relying on his footwork doesn’t allow him to use those other strengths as effectively.”
Instead, Woodley wants Levi to simplify his game.
“He’s moving a lot, as opposed to being able to beat plays to spots and let the puck and the plays come to him,” he said. “It’s one of the adjustments that will be required in the NHL.”
That advice comes at an important time. Levi spent the entire 2025-26 season with the Rochester Americans, posting a 23-20-12 record, a 2.83 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage.
MORE: Ex-NHLer Mike Commodore sends blunt warning to Oilers coach Mike Babcock
From Edmonton’s perspective, patience remains the smart approach. Andersen brings experience, while Jarry is searching for a rebound season. Levi does not need to carry the Oilers immediately, but mastering positional control could quickly change his place in the rotation.
Continue reading...
The Oilers acquired Levi and a 2028 seventh-round pick from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2028 third-round selection. Signed through the 2026-27 season with an $812,500 cap hit, Levi gives Edmonton a cost-effective option behind veterans Frederik Andersen and Tristan Jarry.
MORE: Oilers goalie Frederik Andersen explains why he chose Edmonton
During a recent appearance on The Jason Gregor Show, goaltending analyst Kevin Woodley explained why Levi’s game must evolve.
“I don’t think you can play aggressively in today’s NHL and get away with it, even if you’re one of the fastest goalies in the league,” Woodley said.
He added, “Devin Levi would check that box as one of the fastest goalies in the league. But I do think he’s a goalie who likes to play with a lot of flow and relative aggression compared to his peers.”
Woodley believes Levi’s strengths become even more effective when he relies less on constant movement.
Positional discipline could unlock Devon Levi’s NHL potential
You must be registered for see images attach
Former Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi (Now with the Edmonton Oilers) looks on at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Woodley pointed to Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf as the model Levi should study.
“He does not play aggressively. He is so controlled,” Woodley said. “He’s trended as one of the best goalies in the game for the past two years.”
He also praised Levi’s natural tools.
“His footwork is exceptional. His athleticism is exceptional. His puck tracking is exceptional,” Woodley said. “But being aggressive and relying on his footwork doesn’t allow him to use those other strengths as effectively.”
Instead, Woodley wants Levi to simplify his game.
“He’s moving a lot, as opposed to being able to beat plays to spots and let the puck and the plays come to him,” he said. “It’s one of the adjustments that will be required in the NHL.”
That advice comes at an important time. Levi spent the entire 2025-26 season with the Rochester Americans, posting a 23-20-12 record, a 2.83 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage.
MORE: Ex-NHLer Mike Commodore sends blunt warning to Oilers coach Mike Babcock
From Edmonton’s perspective, patience remains the smart approach. Andersen brings experience, while Jarry is searching for a rebound season. Levi does not need to carry the Oilers immediately, but mastering positional control could quickly change his place in the rotation.
Continue reading...
