The Buffalo Sabres and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have agreed to a five-year, $23.75 million contract extension that will make him a prominent part of the team’s future. He had a breakout season in 2023-24 and figures to lead Buffalo to a playoff appearance this season.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound goalie from Espoo, Finland, is having a banner year in the 2023-24 season. Drafted in the second round (54th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft by Buffalo, he has made steady progress as he develops into a solid goalie. He moves much better between the posts and is more patient, allowing the shooter to make the first move. His size is a factor as he doesn’t give the opposition much of a net to shoot at, instead using his agility to slide into the crease to make the saves.

Last season, he played the most games he has ever played in the NHL. He went 27-22-4 with a 2.57 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage and five shutouts. He set career highs in saves (1,388), shots against (1,470), minutes (3,081) and penalty minutes (8). His career numbers include a 457-41-10 record, a 2.98 GAA, a .904 save percentage and five shutouts.

Luukkonen will enter the 2024-25 season as the starter. Buffalo’s junior goalie, Devon Levi, has struggled between the posts and is still finding his game. Last season, Levi went 10-8-2 with a 3.10 GAA and an .899 save percentage. He’s still young and developing, but could play 25 games this season.

His progression and development included five stints with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL) and a brief stint with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. These stops helped him improve as a goaltender, put him in situations where he could succeed, and prepared him for a full-time role between the posts.

While still young, Luukkonen showed glimpses of greatness last season and the ability to earn some wins with timely saves. This deal is a good one for both parties as Luukkonen continues to shine for the Sabres.