Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

25-Year-Old GoalieG
Buffalo Sabres
2024 Fantasy Outlook
Luukkonen's game took a big jump in 2023-24, so much so that it earned him a five-year extension with a $4.75 million AAV. Despite playing behind a weak defense, UPL put up a 27-22-4 record, 2.57 GAA and .910 save percentage - adding a whopping sixth-best GSAx (goals saved above expected) of 22.46. By comparison, Jeremy Swayman was fifth in GSAx, and that GAA tied him with Linus Ullmark for ninth in the league. Luukkonen is now ensconced as the Sabres' top guy for the next several seasons, while wunderkind Devon Levi gets much-needed development time in the AHL. UPL will once again thrive under a heavy workload like he did once Levi was sent to the minors, but this time for a full season, without the early-year chaos that came last year with the Levi show. Luukkonen is about to step into stardom. Read Past Outlooks
$Signed a five-year, $23.75 million contract with the Sabres in July of 2024.
Can't hold lead in OT loss
GBuffalo Sabres
October 17, 2024
Luukkonen made 37 saves in Wednesday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Penguins.
ANALYSIS
The Sabres held a 3-1 lead after the first period, but Luukkonen saw it slip through his fingers on a night when both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin turned back the clock en route to some big personal milestones. After a breakout 2023-24 campaign, Luukkonen has stumbled out of the gate this season, going 0-2-1 with a 3.69 GAA and .874 save percentage in three starts.
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2024–25 Time On Ice Stats
  • Average Time On Ice:
    59:40
Sabres Depth Chart
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2023
2022
2018
The 2022-23 campaign was supposed to be one where Luukkonen got to develop in the minors, but injuries messed with that plan. Instead, the 24-year-old posted a 3.61 GAA and an .891 save percentage in 33 contests with Buffalo, along with a 3.07 GAA and an .898 save percentage in nine AHL games with Rochester. On top of not getting the opportunity to focus on working on his game in the minors, the Sabres' poor defense made them a goaltender's nightmare last season. However, it's still true that Luukkonen failed to take advantage of the opportunities he was given, and the campaign can be regarded as a disappointment. There's a decent chance Luukkonen will enter 2023-24 in the NHL as part of a goaltending duo with Devon Levi, but Luukkonen still has a lot to prove, and he'll need to overcome the Sabres' subpar defense.
Crushed by injuries, the Sabres were forced to give Luukkonen nine NHL games a season ago. He by no means embarrassed himself in the brief run (2-5-2 record, 2.74 GAA, .917 save percentage), but Luukkonen clearly would have been better off spending the entire year in the minors. Buffalo signed Eric Comrie in free agency and brought back 41-year-old Craig Anderson on a one-year deal. They also have Malcolm Subban around. That should ensure UPL heads back to AHL Rochester for most or all of the 2022-23 campaign, which isn't the worst thing in the world considering he won't be 24 years old until next March.
Luukkonen was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Sabres in the summer but will spend the 2018-19 season with the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL after a ban on European goalies was lifted. Despite a poor showing at the World Juniors, Luukkonen is considered one of the country's top young netminders and will likely be the starter for the Wolves. With four other goalies in the system already, the only way Luukkonen will see action with the Sabres or AHL Rochester is on an emergency call-up basis.
More Fantasy News
Slated starter Wednesday
GBuffalo Sabres
October 16, 2024
Luukkonen is expected to start on the road against Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
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Win slips away late
GBuffalo Sabres
October 11, 2024
Luukkonen stopped 20 of 22 shots in Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Kings, with Los Angeles' final goal getting scored into an empty net.
ANALYSIS
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Starting Thursday's game
GBuffalo Sabres
October 10, 2024
Luukkonen was the first goalie off Thursday, Joe Yerdon of Bleacher Report reports, indicating he'll be in the home crease against the Kings.
ANALYSIS
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Underwhelms in opener
GBuffalo Sabres
October 4, 2024
Luukkonen gave up three goals on 22 shots in a 4-1 defeat to New Jersey on Friday.
ANALYSIS
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In goal against New Jersey
GBuffalo Sabres
October 4, 2024
Luukkonen will be between the pipes for Friday's Global Series matchup with New Jersey, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
In starter's crease
GBuffalo Sabres
October 12, 2024
Luukkonen is in the starter's crease ahead of Saturday's home matchup with the Panthers, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Luukkonen appears in line to make his third start this season. The 25-year-old netminder has dropped his first two outings, allowing five goals on 44 shots. Luukkonen would have another tough task Saturday against the defending Stanley Cup champions.
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