Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen signs a huge contract deal with the Buffalo Sabres.
Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has signed to a five-year contract deal with the Buffalo Sabres worth $23.75 million, solidifying his place in the team’s future. This season, he hopes to lead Buffalo to the postseason after having a breakout season in 2023–2024.
Sabres secure Luukkonen as a starting
In the 2023–24 season, the 6-foot-6 and 215-pound goalie from Espoo, Finland, had a career year. In the 2017 NHL Draft, Buffalo selected him in the second round (54th overall), and he has steadily improved to become a reliable goaltender. He is more patient and he moves between the pipes much more skillfully, letting the shooter initiate contact. Because of his size, the opposition has less to aim at. Instead, he uses his quickness to slide into the crease and make saves.
He participated in the most NHL games to date during the previous season. With a 2.57 goals-against average, a.910 save percentage, and five shutouts, he recorded a 27-22-4 record. In minutes (3,081), saves (1,388), shots against (1,470), and penalty minutes (8), he achieved career highs. With a 457-41-10 record, 2.98 GAA,.904 save percentage, and five shutouts, his career stats are impressive.
Starting in the 2024–25 season will be Luukkonen. Buffalo’s younger goalie, Devon Levi, has not yet found his groove and has battled between the pipes. Levi finished the previous campaign with a 10-8-2 record, a 3.10 GAA, and a.899 save percentage. Although he is still young and improving, he might play in 25 games this year.
Five spells with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Rochester Americans and a brief stay with the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones were part of his growth and development. These saves improved his game as a goalie, set him up for success, and prepared him for a full-time position in the net.
Luukkonen is still young, but last season he showed flashes of greatness and the potential to salvage several victories with clutch saves. Luukkonen is still playing well for the Sabres, so both parties benefit from this deal.
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