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NHL Analyst Links Oilers and Sabres in Blockbuster Goalie Trade This Offseason

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 10:24 AM ET

NHL analyst Jacob Punturi believes the Oilers could be primed to acquire a star goalie from the Sabres this offseason to help solve their issues in the crease.

The Buffalo Sabres and Edmonton Oilers formed a strong trade relationship during the summer of 2024 when the organisations swapped young forwards as top prospect Matthew Savoie went to Edmonton in exchange for Ryan McLeod.

Could the Oilers and Sabres join together for another major trade during this offseason? One NHL analyst believes so. The Oilers have a glaring need to address, which is goaltending.

For the second consecutive season, the team's goaltending broke down in the Stanley Cup Finals. The team's starter of the past two years, Stuart Skinner, struggled mightily and was replaced by Calvin Pickard more than once.

Goaltending continues to be a pressing area of need for this team. The Sabres have a young goalie, Devon Levi, who is one of the organisation's top prospects and is projected to be a future starter in the NHL.

The 23-year-old spent the past season dominating the AHL, but there is a problem for him taking the next step, which is Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The 26-year-old has a firm grip on the starting position, leaving Levi in a backup role.

Edmonton desperately needs a starting goalie and the Sabres have unclear plans for their top prospect, which is the base of a trade, per NHL analyst Jacob Punturi.

'Edmonton needs a starting goalie. The Sabres have unclear plans for their top prospect. That's the base of a trade. The Oilers would give their goaltending a massive boost if they could acquire Levi and add him to their rotation.'
- Jacob Punturi

Is Devon Levi the saviour for the Oilers? No, but the talented and promising goalie would give them hope that has been missing for years.

Even if Buffalo is willing to give up Levi in a deal, the Oilers would need to give up a considerable return package. That could include a top future draft pick or perhaps one of the team's top prospects. It will be an interesting summer ahead.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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