from Jason Bukala of Sportsnet,

The first cuts at NHL training camps have been made as players are returned to junior or released from amateur and pro tryouts.

Here are some of my observations from pre-season action around the NHL

IS DEVON LEVI READY TO BE BUFFALO'S STARTER?

Everyone recognizes an extra save by your goaltender can lead to key victories over the season. The Buffalo Sabres, who finished one point out of playoffs last season, need those victories in 2023-24.

Here are the five goaltenders the Sabres have in training camp, with their number of NHL games played in brackets: Dustin Tokarski (80), Eric Comrie (47), Ukko-Pekka Luukonen (46), Devon Levi (7), Devin Cooley (0).

It's a big year for the Sabres so to say they are rolling the dice hoping one of these goalies can elevate and prove themselves worthy of being a number one for the team, is an understatement.

Having said that, I believe Levi is on the cusp of winning the net in Buffalo.

Just four years ago Levi was tending net for the Carleton Place Canadians of the CCHL, but after two successful seasons at Northeastern University and a cup of coffee at the NHL level last spring, he looks ready for the NHL. I believe he is ready to tackle this challenge.

His numbers, over the past three seasons have been dominant. His goals-against average and save percentage leading up to his NHL debut speak for themselves.

Levi isn’t a towering figure between the posts – he’s listed at 6-feet, 185 pounds – but he has a stocky frame with how he stations himself between his posts.

more and a few other names too...