Buffalo Sabres sign Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to new, long-term deal
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.
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 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 % |
| List of polls | ||
