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.
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
Luukkonen wasn't particularly busy considering he only faced 22 shots, significantly below the team's average shots allowed from last season (29.3). Still, it's just the first game of a long season, and it's too early to start writing the 25-year-old Finn off just yet. He still looks set to see the bulk of the workload for Buffalo this year. Devon Levi served as the backup Friday and could get the starting nod in the second half of the back-to-back against the Devils on Saturday.
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2019 NHL Game Log
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2023–24 Time On Ice Stats
  • Average Time On Ice:
    57:04
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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
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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Starting Saturday
GBuffalo Sabres
September 21, 2024
Luukkonen will get the home start versus Pittsburgh on Saturday, according to Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News.
ANALYSIS
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Receives five-year contract
GBuffalo Sabres
July 24, 2024
Luukkonen signed a five-year, $23.75 million contract with the Sabres on Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
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Concedes three goals in loss
GBuffalo Sabres
April 18, 2024
Luukkonen gave up three goals on 42 shots in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to Florida.
ANALYSIS
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Slated starter for Saturday
GBuffalo Sabres
April 13, 2024
Luukkonen will guard the road goal Saturday against Florida, according to Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Primed to start Friday
GBuffalo Sabres
October 3, 2024
Luukkonen was in the starter's crease Thursday, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports, indicating he'll get the starting nod against the Devils in Friday's Global Series contest.
ANALYSIS
Luukkonen enters the 2024-25 campaign firmly entrenched in the No. 1 role ahead of veteran James Reimer and youngster Devon Levi. Last year, the 25-year-old Lukkonen went 27-22-4 with a career-best 2.57 GAA and five shutouts. If he can get some offensive support, the Finnish backstop should be capable of reaching the 30-win mark this season.
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