Sabres awaiting word on whether goaltender Devon Levi will turn pro

On this edition of 32 Thoughts: Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek discuss the fallout from the altercation between Jay Beagle and Troy Terry, highlight head coaches on interim and expiring contracts, break down Bruce Boudreau's contract, and more.

Will Devon Levi stay in college or will he go pro?

Levi recently wrapped up his rookie season with Northeastern University, but with a number of NCAA players making the leap to the NHL in recent days, the Buffalo Sabres are anticipating an answer from the 20-year-old goaltender.

Levi’s future was a talking point between Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman during Saturday’s 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada.

“The Buffalo Sabres (are) also awaiting word on Devon Levi, whether he’ll turn pro or go back to Northeastern,” Marek said.

Levi finished with a 21-10-1 record, 1.54 goals-against average and .952 save percentage in 32 games with Northeastern this season.

The Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que., native was drafted in the seventh round, 212th overall, by the Florida Panthers in 2020 and was traded to Buffalo along with a first-round pick for Sam Reinhart last July.

Levi backstopped Canada to a silver medal at the 2021 world junior championship, posting a 6-1-0 record, including three shutouts, 0.75 goals-against average and .964 save percentage. He was also part of Canada’s Olympic team at the Beijing Winter Games in February but did not see any action.

Meanwhile, Jordan Harris, who also played for Northeastern, made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Harris’ Northeastern teammate Jayden Struble may not be following him to the Canadiens right away. Struble, who was selected in the second round by Montreal in 2019, could be returning to Northeastern for his senior season, according to Friedman.

“The word is he’s leaning towards going back but no final decision yet,” Friedman said.

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