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Buffalo Sabres: Will any goaltenders return next season?

By Sion Fawkes

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 17: Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his goal with Malcolm Subban #47 during the third period of a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 17, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 17: Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his goal with Malcolm Subban #47 during the third period of a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 17, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 27: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen #1 of the Buffalo Sabres skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on April 27, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

No goaltender has been more star-crossed than Luukkonen. While he had a respectable outing at the NHL level last season (0.917 save percentage), Luukkonen won just two games before a lower-body injury sidelined him.

Upon returning to Rochester, the towering goaltender struggled, finishing the season 15-14-6 with a 0.900 save percentage. He allowed 3.28 goals per game, which was an improvement over the previous season. However, we expected more from Luukkonen.

Then came the Calder Cup Playoffs, and another lower-body injury forced him to miss all 10 games for the Rochester Americans. Overall, it was an uninspiring outing for Luukkonen. But, his age and draft status will factor into whether he returns.

Prediction: Returns on a prove-it deal: Luukkonen will return to the organization, based on Kevyn Adams’ statements last month. But if he misses extended time or struggles again, he’s gone. 

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