I understand why people are pretty pessimistic, being Buffalo and all, but I don't think the Sabres will have an issue signing either Levi or Portillo.
Levi is a UFA in July of 2024. That means two more seasons of NCAA hockey before he's able to sign with a different team. There's a huge opportunity cost to waiting those two years and he has to be aware of that. His agent, friends and family are all going to be telling him the same thing. He's also friends with a bunch of the young guys in Buffalo already who are (presumably) telling him to sign. It's a difficult decision for someone who is competitive to walk away without winning a championship, especially when your season ended as disappointingly as his did. He's only 20 years old. I don't blame him for wanting to give it another run. It's also a good sign that he has the attitude we all want in players. Also, as said above, the guy went on a Sabres' fans podcast. That's a good sign he wants to be in Buffalo as he would have nothing to gain from it otherwise.
Portillo is a UFA in July of 2023, but the Michigan hockey team is going to be gutted by players turning pro this offseason and Portillo has to be aware of that. UMich hockey is very much in a "win now" scenario. I can't imagine he goes back there when it's almost guaranteed his numbers will be worse going into the free agency and the team has a moonshot at a championship. He has a real opportunity to get time in the AHL next season if he signs now. I'm sure he's aware of that.
Devon Levi watch, update: he's returning to college
in The Aud Club
Posted
I understand why people are pretty pessimistic, being Buffalo and all, but I don't think the Sabres will have an issue signing either Levi or Portillo.
Levi is a UFA in July of 2024. That means two more seasons of NCAA hockey before he's able to sign with a different team. There's a huge opportunity cost to waiting those two years and he has to be aware of that. His agent, friends and family are all going to be telling him the same thing. He's also friends with a bunch of the young guys in Buffalo already who are (presumably) telling him to sign. It's a difficult decision for someone who is competitive to walk away without winning a championship, especially when your season ended as disappointingly as his did. He's only 20 years old. I don't blame him for wanting to give it another run. It's also a good sign that he has the attitude we all want in players. Also, as said above, the guy went on a Sabres' fans podcast. That's a good sign he wants to be in Buffalo as he would have nothing to gain from it otherwise.
Portillo is a UFA in July of 2023, but the Michigan hockey team is going to be gutted by players turning pro this offseason and Portillo has to be aware of that. UMich hockey is very much in a "win now" scenario. I can't imagine he goes back there when it's almost guaranteed his numbers will be worse going into the free agency and the team has a moonshot at a championship. He has a real opportunity to get time in the AHL next season if he signs now. I'm sure he's aware of that.