Buffalo Sabres Sign Depth Goaltender to One-Year Deal

Georgiev Last Year

Georgiev played a total of 49 games last year, all in the NHL. The first 18 were with the Avalanche. In Colorado, he posted an .874 save percentage and a 3.38 goals-against average. That leaves 31 games with the Sharks, where his save percentage was essentially the same at .875, and paired it with a 3.88 goals-against average.

What Signing Georgiev Does For Sabres Goaltending

Likely, nothing major. Georgiev really struggled last year. In contrast, he was an NHL All-Star in 2023-2024, but was a liability to Colorado early in the year. Hence, the trade part way through the season. There is a chance he can bounce back to that all-star level of play, but it feels highly unlikely.

The Sabres already have starting goaltender in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The team has committed to him in both term and money, so it feels likely the starting net is his to lose. As a safety valve for Luukkonen, the Sabres also signed veteran Alex Lyon. Lyon has proven he can take over a starting net, doing so with the Florida Panthers and the Detroit Red Wings.

And thirdly, the Sabres are still looking at Devon Levi to be the next game changing goaltender for Buffalo. He was acquired in the Sam Reinhart trade with the Florida Panthers. He has shown great glimpses of talent in the NHL, however has struggled to maintain success.

Where Georgiev Fits In

Our best guess is that the Sabres will play him through training camp and see how he fairs. Head coach Lindy Ruff will play his best players, regardless of contract status or standing with the team. If he can return to (near) All-Star form and beat out those three goaltenders, he’ll be the starter.

However, what feels more likely is that he will be playing with the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League. The Sabres will ride Levi to continue his development, but when Levi inevitably needs a night off, Georgiev will become the guy.

There doesn’t seem to be a downside in this signing. The Sabres needed a veteran presence in the AHL to maybe assist with Levi’s development. Adding that doesn’t seem like it will get in the way of his path to the NHL, and it will hopefully help.