The Philadelphia Flyers have some interesting decisions to make this summer regarding the backup goaltender position. Dan Vladar came to the Flyers last offseason with the expectation that he would assume that role, but he took over as the clear starter.

Sam Ersson had an up-and-down year. He started off struggling mightily for the Flyers. After rotating games with Vladar early, it became clear that Ersson had fallen behind. The Flyers’ netminder then reset following the Olympic break and was fantastic for the Flyers in the final stretch.

Ersson posted a 3.12 GAA and a .884 SV% in 2025-26, but was much better down the stretch. Ersson had a .912 SV% and just about a 2.00 GAA in his final 9 appearances of the year.

Now, Ersson is a restricted free agent. The Flyers will have the option of offering him an RFA tender or not before he hits the market on July 1st. If the Flyers do not, it could become a sign that they’re ready to move on.

The Flyers likely do not have their backup in-house. Aleksei Kolosov still seems a little far away, and Carson Bjarnason is too raw at the given moment. That will force the Flyers to sign a goalie or make a trade for one.

That’s where Devon Levi comes into play.

Like the Flyers have a surplus of wingers, the Sabres has a surplus of goalies. On the latest Daily Faceoff Trade Board, all 4 were listed, simply because something has to give. The tandem of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon got them to the playoffs. Is that who they should stick with?

That would leave Levi, a former top prospect, on the outside in the AHL once again. At 24, Levi has yet to really have a chance to stick in the NHL.

Levi came to the league in 2022-23 following his collegiate career at Northeastern. After an impressive 7-game stint, Levi returned to Buffalo in 2023-24, when he posted a 3.10 GAA and a .899 SV% in 23 NHL games. He spent more games in the AHL for the Rochester Americans, 26, than in the NHL.

In 2024-25, Levi struggled mightily in 9 NHL games, which kept him in the AHL, where again, he had great success. Then, in 2025-26, Levi did not get an NHL game.

Jeff Marek has suggested that the relationship between Levi and the Sabres is over.

Jeff Marek: It’s over, it’s over with Devon Levi and the Buffalo Sabres – Coming in Hot (5/14)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) May 19, 2026

That could make Levi the perfect trade target for the Flyers. Levi’s value has never been lower. The Flyers have the opportunity to go out and acquire another goaltender who could just use an opportunity and a change of scenery. After all, a new home and a contract season tend to be a great motivator.

Levi has 39 career NHL games under his belt with a 3.29 GAA and .894 SV%, including those tough 9 games in 2024-25.

While yes, at 6’0″, Levi is certainly undersized, he has shown flashes of his potential. All he may need is a new opportunity. The Flyers have the chance to give him that, and it won’t be all that expensive. Acquiring Levi from the Sabres should cost no more than a mid-to-late round draft pick.

Would you trade for Devon Levi if you were the Flyers?

Read More: PhHN Daily: NHL Mock Drafts, Trade Boards, Contract Predictions & More