Former Quebec goaltender Martin Biron knows what it takes to have a long career in the National Hockey League (NHL), and while he appreciates young Devon Levi’s accomplishments to date, he believes the freshman still has scabs has to eat.
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Acquired by the Florida Panthers in July 2021, Levi played his first games at Bettman Circuit late last season after excelling in the college standings. The 2022-23 NCAA Goalie of the Year has already impressed many observers in Buffalo with his skills. However, Biron feels he still has a lot to prove.
“When he arrived late in the season, I saw a very talented goalkeeper with incredible physical traits and supreme speed on his feet. For his age [21 ans], he is very mature. Adjustments need to be made to his game. When you see the level you’re getting is higher, you have to have more control,” the former Saber commented to website NHL.com relative to native Dollard-des-Abalones.
“That made it possible [Andrei] Vasilyevsky, [Igor] schesterkin, [Juuse] Saros and [Connor] Hellebuyck stands out; They always seem to be in full control despite their different styles. Levi was out of control at times last year,” he said.
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During his interview with the NHL website, Biron said he sees Buffalo as a team that should make the playoffs. However, he wanted to put a damper on the portrait in front of the net. The Sabers also count on Eric Comrie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and like Levi, their NHL experience is rather limited. Could this lack hurt the team that last played in the playoffs in spring 2011?
“I said it was a playoff club, but it’s fair to say there’s a question mark on that. Do these goalkeepers have great potential? Absolutely. But is it currently unknown? Definitely,” he said.
According to ex-number 43, if management wants to help its masked men, it would be better to oversee another issue.
“One of the aspects of their game that needs improvement is defense, according to Biron. You can’t concede as many chances to score as you did last season with a balanced team. They have more talent than most formations. So if they can reduce the likelihood of their expenses not being accounted for, [ils gagneront], because we know they will score goals. They made it late on schedule and found a new way to win games. That’s what they need to achieve this year.”