NHL analyst Rob Couch from NHL Trade Rumors recently suggested that the Buffalo Sabres’ young goalie Devon Levi could be a surprise candidate to replace Stuart Skinner as the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender next season. With the Oilers targeting a strong Stanley Cup run, the search for dependable goaltending has become a pressing concern.

The Oilers currently rely on Stuart Skinner as their starting netminder, but doubts remain about his ability to lead the team past long-standing postseason challenges, especially given how rare elite goaltenders are in today’s NHL.

Oilers Face a Persistent Goalkeeping Challenge on Their Path to the Stanley Cup

Over the last decade, the Edmonton Oilers have demonstrated their capacity to dominate the Western Conference, yet the Stanley Cup has remained elusive. Much of the criticism centers around the team’s goaltending, with Skinner under scrutiny as they aim to overcome previous playoff shortcomings.

The Oilers’ management and fans alike recognize that without shoring up their goalie position, the team risks repeating past failures despite a strong roster.

Rob Couch Highlights Levi’s Potential Amid Goalie Market Dynamics

Rob Couch outlined a shortlist of potential goaltending candidates for Edmonton, notably excluding Arturs Silovs after he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Among the more unconventional choices is 23-year-old Devon Levi, who has only 39 NHL appearances so far.

“Those are the three that the Oilers should have their sights on as Arturs Silovs is probably not an option anymore after the Vancouver Canucks traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins instead of a rival. But a long shot I’ve identified is Levi. He has spent the last two seasons between the NHL and AHL as the Sabres haven’t been good and he hasn’t found his footing in the NHL. That could be a reality once again as Alex Lyon was signed for two years. The Oilers are a much better team defensively if you actually look at stats and not opinion. He would still cost a lot and I’m not sure if the Sabres are ready to give up on him yet, but a bounce-back season by Luukkonen could change things,”

—Rob Couch, NHL Trade Rumors Analyst

Levi’s time has been divided between the NHL and AHL while the Sabres have struggled overall. Signing veteran goalie Alex Lyon for two years has also complicated Levi’s chances of securing a full-time role in Buffalo. Despite these challenges, Levi showed flashes of strong play last season that could appeal to Edmonton’s general manager, Stan Bowman.

Why Devon Levi’s Acquisition Could Be a Strategic Move for Edmonton

Levi’s youth and potential make him an intriguing option for the Oilers, who need a promising goalie capable of long-term growth. Although acquiring Levi might be costly and the Sabres may hesitate to trade him, the Oilers’ improved defensive stats and Levi’s demonstrated ability could make him a viable alternative to Skinner.

If Levi can establish himself as a reliable netminder, he might help the Oilers avoid another disappointing playoff exit, a persistent concern for a team aiming to claim the Stanley Cup.