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Buffalo Sabres: Projecting the future of 20 prospects

By Sion Fawkes

ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 30: Peyton Krebs #19 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 30, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 30: Peyton Krebs #19 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 30, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres
BUFFALO, NY – JANUARY 6: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen #1 of the Buffalo Sabres during the game against the San Jose Sharks at KeyBank Center on January 6, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Oskari Laaksonen

At worst, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will have a spot on the Sabres in at least a backup goaltending role. So far, he’s been so-so, improving in save percentage from .906 to .917. His goals allowed average has dropped from 3.88 to 2.74, and his quality starts percentage has more than doubled.

The decision to move Craig Anderson or Dustin Tokarski would be easier if Luukkonen wasn’t so injury-prone. Either way, when he returns, look for UPL to retake the net and prove he’s at least a worthy rotating goaltender in the near-future.

Laaksonen has become a reliable two-way defenseman in Rochester. This season, he’s racked up 24 points in 38 games, showing he’s at least a worthy player for the “taxi squad” when needed. If he cuts down on the penalty minutes, expect him to at least receive a chance at the NHL level.

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