Goalie Help: Can We Afford to do Nothing?
There are no two ways about it, the Buffalo Sabres’ goaltending failed the team this past season. The defense did them no favors either but the men between the pipes were the big letdown. Devon Levi started the year in Buffalo but his early season struggles just continued to snowball. He looked nothing like the kid out of college beating the formidable Rangers twice two years ago. He looked off, he was slow to react, he looked small. He looked….well, not quite ready. He was soon demoted to Rochester which turned out to be the best thing for him. Levi had a phenomenal year with the Amerks, posting a 2.20 goals against average and a .919 save percentage. His development has reached a new stage at this time as he leads Rochester through the playoffs. Meanwhile, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had an OK start to the year. He had a GAA under 3.00 and a SP of over .900, with a winning record for about 1/3 of the season. But things slowly deteriorated for UPL as the season wore on. His game started to suffer as he seemed to be battling the puck constantly. After about the 55 game mark, his performances were getting consistently worse. He was letting in 3-5 goals a game routinely. UPL went through a stretch of about 8 games where he let in 2 goals on every 10 shots he faced. Night after night after night. Well below average numbers down the stretch, which is why the team turned to James Reimer. The 37 year old veteran provided a spark and led Buffalo to some late season success. He finished the year with the most respectable numbers of the three netminders.
So where do the Sabres go from here? Can they bring UPL and Reimer back to give it another go, with Levi in Rochester again? I don’t like that scenario personally. My feelings are that Levi should be ready to permanently make the jump to the NHL. It’s time to sink or swim with him. I’m also OK with bringing Reimer back as a third option, for at least part of the season. Until an evaluation of substantial size can be done on Buffalo’s goalie tandem. But should part of that tandem include Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen? Buffalo has invested time and money into him, I would like to see him succeed. But it’s a gamble that he regains his form quickly for 2025-26. I think I rather gamble elsewhere, taking a chance on a rising goaltender who’s name isn’t out there much yet but will be soon. Joel Hofer of the St. Louis Blues. The 24 year old goalie has been a solid backup for the Blues for the last two seasons. He has great size at 6′ 5″ and has put up good numbers the last two years behind Jordan Binnington. This is a player who looks ready to take the next step. Take a look at his bio here and impressive stat lines:
https://www.nhl.com/blues/player/joel-hofer-8480981
Jordan Binnington has one year left on his contract and Hofer seems like his heir apparent. But the Blues might prefer a two year starter between the pipes in UPL over a two year backup taking over. This is where a potential deal could be struck. Luukkonen’s starter’s salary seems like a hurdle with Binnington already making big money. But the word is that Hofer, who is a restricted FA, is looking for a significant bump up in pay. At least 4 million per season on a bridge deal, 5 or more on a long term contract. So his payday this season will be comparable to UPL’s current salary. If St. Louis can afford Hofer at that near cost they can afford UPL instead. Also, even though he has played well, it’s been speculated Binnington will be moved this summer. He carries a 6 million dollar cap hit. The Blues could have a new starter and new backup next season even without Buffalo involvement. Which is why I would like the Sabres to inquire about Joel Hofer and see if a deal can be made. He is without a no trade list by the way, so they avoid that road block. Ideally, I see him as the starter in Buffalo but more of a 1A and 1B scenario. Ease him into it at first. Hofer getting maybe 45 games and Levi like 37. That would be a career high for Levi too, which is why I like them mostly splitting games. I think there is a chance to catch lightning in a bottle with this young player. Hofer is ready to assume the starter’s net and I’d love to see him do it in a Sabres’ uniform. He already looks good in blue and gold.
Many of us want an upgrade in goal but starting goaltenders are not moved around the league on the regular. Not to mention the big contracts and no trade clauses facing the Sabres in acquiring such a player. The smart move is to find a goalie on the verge of taking that next step and pry him away just before he does. I believe Joel Hofer is that player. I’d hate to see Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen traded, I had high hopes for him. He also has one of the greatest fan clubs in the history of hockey. Maybe UPL bounces back big time next season but can we take that chance? I imagine that if Kevyn Adams did nothing with the goaltending this summer, the hate would be strong. Joel Hofer is my suggestion for a shot at instant improvement. A gamble on a good player with a short resume, I’m aware of that. But sitting still and doing nothing is a gamble as well. If anyone else has other reasonable ideas for goalie help, please chime in. But consider the age of the player, salary, cost to acquire them and no trade hurdles first.
I really like what I see in Joel Hofer, he has a bright future. He is ready to assume the starter’s net. Not to toot my own horn, but I’ve been pretty good at identifying goaltending talent. From Adin Hill way back with Arizona and San Jose to Logan Thompson when he was a Henderson Silver Night. I’ve been suggesting goalie deals for the Sabres for years now on this site to no avail. Each time it was when the player was affordable (salary and assets wise) and obtainable. (no trade blocks) And just a step away from being a big time player. This is my latest offer but the time to act is now. If you have something better up your sleeve Buffalo brass, you better show us.