When a snowstorm rolled through Rochester on Sunday, it wasn’t just the plows and shovels making headlines-it was Devon Levi, the 24-year-old goaltender for the Rochester Americans, stepping up in a different kind of way. Amid the swirling snow and community efforts to dig out, Levi appeared on local news urging residents to stay safe and stay home. It wasn’t a flashy save or a highlight-reel moment, but it was a reminder of how connected this young netminder is to the city he’s currently calling home.
“Stay at home. Enjoy your time with your family.
Stay safe. Stay warm,” Levi said in an interview with News 8.
It was a simple message, but one that resonated with a city digging out and leaning on each other.
On the ice, Levi’s been just as steady. He’s played a pivotal role in keeping the Americans in the thick of the AHL’s North Division race. Rochester may have dropped a 2-1 decision to the Cleveland Monsters on Saturday, but they’ve managed to earn points in 16 of their last 22 games-a testament to the kind of consistency Levi brings between the pipes.
Against Cleveland, Levi turned aside 18 of 19 shots, continuing a strong stretch that saw him enter the game on the heels of back-to-back home shutouts. The lone goal came late, but forward Olivier Nadeau made sure the Amerks avoided the blank sheet with a last-minute tally, assisted by Jagger Joshua-who became the 10th Rochester skater this season to hit double-digit assists-and Isaac Belliveau.
"Rochester Resident Devon Levi" gives his thoughts on what to do during the storm bahahaha pic.twitter.com/yYOWMD65uC
— rebecca (@hockeyhamster) January 26, 2026
Through 28 games this season, Levi holds a 14-8-6 record with three shutouts, a 2.69 goals-against average, and a .907 save percentage. Those numbers don’t just speak to his talent-they reflect a goalie who’s growing into the role, game by game.
Levi’s path to this point is as compelling as his play. Born in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, on December 27, 2001, he first honed his reflexes in street hockey games with his father before taking to the ice at age 11.
From there, it didn’t take long for him to stand out. While playing for the Lac St-Louis Lions in the Quebec Midget AAA Hockey League, he made headlines with a 64-save performance in a single game-a league record-and took home both the Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy trophies, awarded to the league’s top goaltender and playoff MVP, respectively.
Despite being drafted late-212th overall by the Florida Panthers in 2020-Levi’s career trajectory quickly picked up speed. His NHL rights were traded to the Buffalo Sabres in 2021, and he made the most of his collegiate career at Northeastern University. While majoring in computer science, Levi also rewrote the record books, winning back-to-back Mike Richter Awards as the top goaltender in college hockey and posting the second-best single-season save percentage in NCAA history (.952).
When he finally made the leap to the NHL, Levi didn’t waste any time making an impression. He notched five wins in his first seven starts with the Sabres, showing the same poise and quick reflexes that had defined his college career. Internationally, he also brought home gold with Team Canada at the 2021 World Championship-another feather in an already impressive cap.
Buffalo clearly believes in Levi’s potential. On July 31, 2025, they inked him to a two-year, $1.625 million contract extension that runs through the 2026-27 season.
And last year, he backed up that faith with a standout season in the AHL: 25-13-6 in 42 games, a 2.20 goals-against average, and a .919 save percentage. He also got a taste of the NHL grind, appearing in nine games for the Sabres, though his .872 save percentage in those outings showed there’s still room to grow.
In the Calder Cup Playoffs, Levi elevated his game once again. He helped lead Rochester to the North Division Finals, going 5-3 with two shutouts and a .910 save percentage. That performance earned him a nod as an AHL All-Star and Goaltender of the Month honors for February-a sign that he’s not just a promising prospect, but a difference-maker when it matters most.
Now, with Buffalo carrying three goalies at the NHL level, Levi continues his development in Rochester. And while he’s sharpening his craft in the AHL, he’s also becoming a familiar face in the community-whether it’s flashing the glove on the ice or offering a few words of encouragement during a snowstorm.
Devon Levi’s story is still being written, but if the early chapters are any indication, both the Sabres and the city of Rochester have something special on their hands.