The Buffalo Sabres finally seem set to address their goalie situation. The team has already used three netminders across 13 games so far this season. Veterans Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have both registered multiple starts for the team. Rookie Colten Ellis also made his NHL debut in an impressive victory against the Detroit Red Wings in October.
To go along with this, the Sabres also have two NHL-caliber goalies currently with their AHL affiliate. Devon Levi and Alexandar Georgiev have both remained with the Rochester Americans to start the 2025-26 season. The logjam at the position has created a headache for Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff.
NHL teams typically carry two netminders on the roster throughout the season. Because Buffalo technically has five goalies to work with, at least one of them will likely be traded or released. It was previously thought that Levi could force his way out of the team. While this could still happen, it now seems as if the Sabres have chosen Georgiev as the odd man out.
NHL Insider Claims Buffalo Sabres are Looking to Trade Alexandar Georgiev
GettyAlexandar Georgiev has only managed to play for the Sabres during the preseason.
Sportsnet reporter Elliotte Friedman revealed on November 6 that Buffalo is actively shopping Georgiev. The netminder recently made the 2024 NHL All-Star team as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. “Buffalo’s goalies. Devon Levi split the net in AHL Rochester early on, but it looks like he’s getting the lion’s share of the work now,” wrote Friedman.
“They are trying to find a new home for Alexandar Georgiev. The Sabres have made it clear Colten Ellis is staying. Someone asked me if Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen could be moved, but I’d be surprised. He’s still their most-experienced and best option, assuming he is healthy.”
Georgiev previously signed a one-year, $825,000 contract with the Sabres in September. The move was essentially seen as an insurance policy after Luukkonen picked up an injury in training camp. Luukkonen, Buffalo’s expected 2025-26 starter between the pipes this season, has since recovered from the setback. This, along with Lyon’s hot start, has forced Georgiev down the pecking order.
Alex Lyon Cements Place as Buffalo’s Starting Netminder
With Luukkonen out to start the campaign, Lyon has taken full advantage of the opportunity as the team’s typical starter in the crease. The 32-year-old veteran has been stellar in an otherwise disappointing Sabres team. Lyon has started 10 games for Buffalo, posting a 2.81 GAA and .914 SV%. The goalie’s impressive start surely means that he will remain with the Sabres going forward.
As far as the two youngsters go, Buffalo clearly likes Ellis and appears content with keeping Levi. The latter goalie has been widely seen as the netminder of the future for the last few years now. Although he has not exactly lived up to lofty expectations yet, Levi is still just 23 and is playing well with Rochester. In six games with the AHL side, the goalie has a 2.36 GAA and a .914 SV%.
There is still a chance that Luukkonen could be moved via trade at some point this season. However, his $4.75 AAV salary hit may be tough for another team to take. Sabres beat writer Rachel Lenzi has also reported that the Finn is expected to start for Buffalo against the St. Louis Blues on November 6. Lyon featured in the previous night’s overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth.
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