The Buffalo Sabres quietly increased their goalie depth this week by signing veteran netminder Alexandar Georgiev to a one-year contract worth $825,000. Georgiev, 29, arrives in Buffalo with plenty of NHL experience and something to prove following a turbulent 2024-25 season.
Georgiev’s contract is simple: one season for $825,000, a low-risk, potentially high-reward acquisition for a Sabres team that already has competition in net. The move provides Buffalo with a veteran option behind starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and goaltender Alex Lyon, as well as a seasoned challenger to young prospect Devon Levi, who was recently re-signed to a two-year contract. That crowded room now has even more competition, which is exactly what a team needs when trying to maintain consistency in goal.
He has been a workhorse throughout his career, starting over 300 NHL games with the New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche, and San Jose Sharks. Over his career, he has a record of 151-108-26 with a 2.99 GAA and.903 save percentage, demonstrating his ability when on his game. Those career numbers are a large part of the reason Buffalo is willing to give him a fresh start.
Last season was a difficult time. Georgiev split 2024-25 between Colorado and San Jose, finishing with a 15-26-4 record, a 3.71 goals-against average, and a.875 save percentage over 49 games. Those are far below his career averages, making this a classic “bounce-back” signing — a veteran with upside who can regain form in a new environment. For Georgiev, the Sabres are an opportunity to reestablish value and compete for meaningful minutes.
Buffalo views the signing as prudent roster management. Georgiev is inexpensive and experienced, which helps the Sabres if Luukkonen struggles or suffers an injury. It also gives the organization time to decide how to best use Devon Levi, who dominated in the AHL last season but is still a work in progress at the NHL level. Adding Georgiev helps to stabilize the depth chart and gives the coach and front office more options during a long season.
Georgiev isn’t being brought in as a long-term solution; rather, he’s a veteran insurance policy who can push for starts if form or injuries allow. If he returns to more of his career norms — higher save percentage, consistent goals against — he could carve out a regular role and provide Buffalo with flexibility at the trade deadline or later in the season. If not, the contract’s low cost reduces franchise exposure.
There is also a human element to the signing. Georgiev has experienced trades, highs (he twice led the NHL in wins early in his career), and lows. A fresh start in Buffalo — a hockey town with devoted fans and a defense that can be reshaped — could be just what he needs to regain confidence. Players and coaches frequently discuss fitness in addition to talent; sometimes a change of scenery serves as a catalyst.