Devon Levi has quickly become an important part of the Edmonton Oilers’ early-season plans after an injury to Frederik Andersen created a larger role for the 24-year-old goaltender.
Levi stopped 29 shots in Edmonton’s 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, October 7, helping the Oilers improve to 3-0-1 and complete a perfect three-game California road trip.
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Devon Levi has responded after a difficult debut
Levi’s first regular-season appearance for Edmonton came in a chaotic 9-7 win over the Vancouver Canucks on October 1.
He made 15 saves on 22 shots in Vancouver, earning the victory but conceding seven goals as the Oilers nearly surrendered an eight-goal lead in the third period.
Rather than dwell on the uneven performance, Levi treated the game as an opportunity to move forward, a response that became more significant in his next two starts.
He made 19 saves on 20 shots in his Rogers Place debut against the Seattle Kraken on October 3, including a late glove save on Jordan Eberle that preserved a 1-1 tie before Leon Draisaitl scored the winning goal.
Levi then followed that performance with another composed outing against Anaheim, making 29 saves while the Oilers recovered from an early 2-0 deficit.
Oilers goaltending picture remains unsettled
The Oilers acquired Levi from the Buffalo Sabres on July 1 in exchange for Edmonton’s third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft, with Buffalo also sending a seventh-round selection in the deal.
The move initially appeared to give Edmonton three experienced options in the crease alongside Tristan Jarry and Andersen, who signed with the club on the same day.
Andersen’s undisclosed offseason injury changed that plan, while the Oilers have indicated that his return may not come until at least December.
That timeline gives Levi several months to establish himself in Edmonton before the intended rotation can fully take shape.
Jarry remains part of the equation, but Levi’s early results have given the coaching staff another option during a demanding opening stretch.
From Rochester to a renewed NHL opportunity
Levi did not play an NHL game during the 2025-26 season, spending most of the campaign with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.
He posted a 23-20-9 record, a 2.83 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage in 52 AHL games last season.
In 36 NHL starts with Buffalo, Levi recorded 17 wins, a 3.29 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage before joining Edmonton.
The Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, native was selected 212th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2020 NHL Draft and later moved to Buffalo in the trade that sent Sam Reinhart to Florida.
His path back to a regular NHL opportunity has therefore included a demotion to the minors, a change of organization and an unexpected opening caused by injury.
What comes next for Levi
Levi’s immediate challenge will be maintaining consistency as opponents adjust and as the Oilers’ defensive structure faces more difficult tests.
His first three starts have produced very different workloads, from the high-event Vancouver game to the more controlled performances against Seattle and Anaheim.
That range has allowed Edmonton to see both his athletic ability and his capacity to recover quickly from mistakes.
The Oilers have also received strong offensive support early in the season, scoring at least five goals in three of their first four games.
That production has helped reduce the pressure on Levi, but the team’s long-term ambitions will require more dependable play in its own zone and in the crease.
For now, Levi has given Edmonton a winning option while Andersen remains unavailable, and his next starts will help determine whether the temporary opportunity becomes a larger role.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has Devon Levi performed with the Oilers?
Levi has won each of his first three starts for Edmonton, stopping 15 shots against Vancouver, 19 against Seattle and 29 against Anaheim.
Why is Devon Levi playing a larger role for Edmonton?
Frederik Andersen is recovering from an offseason injury and is not expected to make his Oilers debut until at least December.
When did the Oilers acquire Devon Levi?
Edmonton acquired Levi from the Buffalo Sabres on July 1, 2026, in a trade involving 2028 draft picks.
Who are the Oilers’ other goaltenders?
Tristan Jarry is the other active goaltender listed with Edmonton, while Andersen remains unavailable because of injury.
What was Devon Levi’s record with Buffalo?
Levi recorded 17 wins, a 3.29 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage in 36 NHL starts with Buffalo.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against official Edmonton Oilers and NHL game, roster and transaction information. ([nhl.com](https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/release-oilers-acquire-devon-levi-from-buffalo))
Disclaimer: Goaltending roles and injury timelines can change as the Oilers release new lineup and medical updates.