League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Buffalo Sabres goalie Luukkonen earns B+ grade after mixed season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 11:01 PM

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

Buffalo Sabres goalie Luukkonen earns B+ grade after mixed season

Summary

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen played a key role in the Buffalo Sabres' successful 2025-26 regular season, appearing in 36 games with a.910 save percentage and a 2.52 GAA. However, his playoff performance suffered, recording an.876 save percentage and a 3.18 GAA over six games. Despite the strong regular season, Luukkonen's inconsistency in the postseason resulted in a B+ grade in recent evaluations. The Sabres are considering their goaltending options for next season, especially if trade discussions materialize around Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Luukkonen played 36 regular-season games with a.910 save percentage.
•The Sabres ended a 15-year playoff drought last season.
•Luukkonen's playoff stats included an.876 save percentage in six games.
•Buffalo's management is evaluating their goaltending strategy for the upcoming season.
•Luukkonen remains under contract for three more seasons at $4.75 million.

Latest Updates

11:01 PMYahoo Sports — Sabres Grades: Goalie Luukkonen Thrived In Regular-Season, But Not In Playoffs

What they're saying

"
The Buffalo Sabres had a great 2025-26 regular-season, and goalie Ukko Pekka Luukkonen was a big part of it. And in this series on TheHockeyNews.com, we're grading Sabres players and management. What grade do you think Luukkonen deserves to get?
— Yahoo Sports

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