Buffalo Sabres sign Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to new, long-term deal

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TJ Tucker
July 24, 2024 (6:06 PM)

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Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, goaltender with the Buffalo Sabres, has cashed on a new contract with the team worth a total of $23.75 million over the next five years

The Buffalo Sabres aren't waiting around to lock down the goaltender they believe will lead the franchise over the next few years. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been given a five year deal worth $4.75 million per season. That's a total of $23.75 million.

"Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams expressed confidence earlier this offseason in the young goalie tandem of Luukkonen and 22-year-old Devon Levi, the latter of whom led qualified AHL goaltenders in save percentage last season. The team shored up its organizational depth with the signings of veteran James Reimer and Felix Sandstrom in free agency."

Luukkonen, 25, set career highs in games played (54), wins (27), and shutouts (5) last season. His wins and shutouts were the most in a season by a Sabres goaltender since Ryan Miller. It marked the netminder's first season to carry the bulk of the load of games for the Sabres. It's been a long road to the NHL for Luukkonen. After turning pro in the 2018-19 season. Luukkonen played most of his games in the AHL, ECHL, and back home in Finland before finally getting his first NHL games 2020-21. At one point, Luukkonen was considered fourth in the Sabres system between the pipes.

"I think that was really good for me and it's good learning for me. I want to be a starting goalie in this league. I feel like I can be a good starting goalie in this league. Kind of going through that this year, it helped me a lot. It helped my confidence.

I feel like physically and mentally, I was really as fresh as I can be and kind of went through it without any difficulty, so I think that gives me confidence for next year too."

After improving some in the 2022-23 season, there was hope among the organization and fans for more improvement in 2023-24. It didn't happen, with Buffalo finishing sixth in the Atlantic, and missing the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 12th consecutive season.

POLL
Is this a good deal for the Buffalo Sabres and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Yes, good deal for both	27	54 %
No, the team will regret it	14	28 %
I'm not sure	9	18 %
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