Buffalo Sabres prospect and Rochester Americans goalie Devon Levi made an unexpected appearance on local TV Sunday night — but it wasn’t for hockey.
During a “Man on the Street” segment covering the winter storm affecting much of the U.S., Rochester’s CBS affiliate, News 8, randomly interviewed Levi, who was casually labeled as a “Rochester resident.” With a grin that suggested he knew exactly how absurd the moment was, Levi offered simple but sage advice: “Stay home. You know, enjoy your time with your family. Stay safe. Stay warm.”
Athletes showing up in unrelated news segments is nothing new. NFL legend Adrian Peterson, along with NBA stars Klay Thompson and Jordan Clarkson, have all experienced similar offbeat moments. Levi, currently playing in the AHL with the Amerks, now joins that quirky list.
Levi’s NHL Journey
Levi, a 2020 seventh-round pick, was brought to the Sabres as part of the blockbuster Sam Reinhart trade from the Florida Panthers in July 2021. After a standout two-year college career at Northeastern University — boasting a 1.90 goals-against average, a .942 save percentage, and 16 shutouts in 66 games — Buffalo gave Levi a taste of the NHL in 2023. In his initial stint, he went 5-2-0 with a .905 save percentage in seven games, impressing enough to earn a chance at the backup role the following year.
However, Levi struggled to maintain consistency. During the 2023-24 season, he posted a .899 save percentage across 23 games and a disappointing .872 mark in nine contests last season. As a result, Buffalo bolstered its goaltending depth by signing Alex Lyon as a free agent and claiming Colten Ellis off waivers for the 2025-26 campaign. Lyon has been a standout, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has also rebounded in goal, and Ellis continues to find his footing in the NHL.
AHL Performance and Challenges
Meanwhile, Levi returned to the Amerks, where his performance has seen a dip. After posting a .927 save percentage as an AHL rookie in 2023-24 and a .919 mark last season, Levi sits at .907 in 28 games this year. Part of that decline is tied to injuries on Rochester’s blue line, including extended absences for Michael Kesselring and Conor Timmins, which left the defense corps short-handed and added pressure on the goalie.
General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen recently addressed organizational depth by acquiring veteran defenseman Gavin Bayreuther from the Carolina Hurricanes, sending prospect Viktor Neuchev the other way.
Looking Ahead
Levi’s full-time arrival in Buffalo has taken longer than expected, but the organization remains optimistic about his future. How he finishes the 2025-26 season will likely influence offseason decisions regarding the goalie position, including potential trades involving Lyon or UPL and Levi competing with Ellis for the backup role next season.
For now, Levi is focused on closing out the season strong — whether that’s between the pipes in the AHL or unexpectedly offering winter storm advice to Rochester residents on live television.
