Breaking: Sabres Hand Out Massive Extension to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

After starting the 2023-24 season as a healthy scratch, it's been quite a ride since then for Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. He went on to eventually win the starter's job, and now has been handed a massive five-year contract.

The Sabres announced they’ve signed goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to a five-year contract worth $4.75 million per year.
— Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) July 24, 2024

The deal has a $4.75 million AAV.

Luukkonen, 25, started 51 games for the Sabres and finished his breakthrough season with a .910 save percentage and a 2.57 goals against average, with five shutouts. He officially won the top job between the pipes in January, and started 36 of the Sabres’ final 43 games.

His 27 wins and five shutouts were the most by any Sabres goalie since Ryan Miller in 2011-12.

LUUUUUUK ⚔️

We have agreed to terms with goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen on a five-year contract with an AAV of $4.75 million.

→ https://t.co/DBkLSgSFF6 pic.twitter.com/iOskHtgepE
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) July 24, 2024

Luukkonen was a second-round pick by Buffalo in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and has slowly built his game over the past few years to the point where he finally seized control of the No. 1 job this past season.

Top prospect Devon Levi, still only 22, will serve as the backup between the pipes as he continues to hone his NHL game. He led AHL goaltenders in save percentage last season at .927 in 26 games for the Rochester Americans.

“We really like the position we’re in with having UPL and Devon Levi as still young, developing goaltenders, guys we think are going to continue to grow and get better, that are extremely talented, hard-working, and character people,” Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said.