News watchers in Western New York may have came across a familiar face on Sunday night when Devon Levi, the Buffalo Sabres prospect who’s currently playing for the AHL’s Rochester Americans, was briefly featured in a Man on the Street segment.
Rochester’s CBS affiliate, News 8, was asking local residents about the winter storm that gripped most of the United States in recent days when the Amerks goalie randomly popped up.
“Stay home. You know, enjoy your time with your family,” Levi said. “Stay safe. Stay warm.”
Here’s what Rochester resident Devon Levi had to say on @News_8 about the storm. pic.twitter.com/MAKSsQvkJX
— Let’s Go Amerks! (@LGA585) January 26, 2026
It’s always funny when an athlete is interviewed by a reporter working on a story completely out of the sports realm. Former NFL superstar Adrian Peterson along with NBA stars Klay Thompson and Jordan Clarkson are among those who’ve had similar TV news appearances over the years.
Levi, who was merely labeled as a “Rochester resident” in the story, had a grin on his face throughout the interview, suggesting the goaltender may have known he was having a Clark Kent moment.
Devon Levi continues his AHL development while awaiting an NHL opportunity with the Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres had high hopes for Levi when they acquired him from the Florida Panthers as part of the blockbuster Sam Reinhart trade in July 2021.
Buffalo brought him straight to the NHL in 2023 after he finished a tremendous two-year run at Northeastern University that saw him post a 1.90 goals against average, .942 save percentage and 16 shutouts across 66 college hockey appearances.
Levi’s first run with the Blue and Gold was promising as he went 5-2-0 with a .905 SV% in seven starts during the latter stages of the 2022-23 season.
It led the Sabres to give him an opportunity to earn the backup role the following year, but the Canadian netminder couldn’t match that initial success. He compiled a .899 SV% in 23 games during the 2023-24 campaign and an .872 SV% in nine contests last season.
So, Buffalo opted to bolster its goaltending depth chart for 2025-26 by signing Alex Lyon as a free agent and claiming Colten Ellis off waivers.
It’s worked out well for the Sabres as Lyon has an argument as the team’s best player this season, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has also bounced back in the crease. Ellis has endured an up-and-down start to his NHL career.
Meanwhile, Levi reportedly grew frustrated with losing his path to playing time in Buffalo, and his performance with the Amerks has dipped.
The 2020 seventh-round pick, who registered a .927 SV% as an AHL rookie in 2023-24 and a .919 SV% last year, has .907 mark in 28 appearances this season.
Some of that drop off can be attributed to the fact the Sabres have dealt with several injuries to their blue line this season, including extended absences for Michael Kesselring and Conor Timmins, which has required call-ups and left the Rochester defense corps a bit shorthanded.
Buffalo general manager Jarmo Kekalainen tried to rectify the problem Saturday when he acquired veteran defenseman Gavin Bayreuther from the Carolina Hurricanes to provide some organizational depth. Prospect Viktor Neuchev was sent to the Canes.
Levi should still have a future in Buffalo, but his full-time arrival has taken longer than expected. His play for the remainder of the season will play a role in determining how Kekalainen handles the position during the 2026 offseason.
It’s possible UPL or Lyon could land on the trade block in the summer with an eye toward Levi competing with Ellis for the No. 2 role next season.
For now, the goalie will attempt to finish the campaign on a high note, while also providing the occasional winter advice for his fellow Rochester residents.
