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Buffalo Sabres: Predictions for 28 prospects in 2022-23

By Sion Fawkes

LAVAL, QC - APRIL 08: John Peterka #77 of the Rochester Americans and Alex Belzile #22 of the Laval Rocket skate against each other during the second period at Place Bell on April 8, 2022 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Rochester Americans 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC - APRIL 08: John Peterka #77 of the Rochester Americans and Alex Belzile #22 of the Laval Rocket skate against each other during the second period at Place Bell on April 8, 2022 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Rochester Americans 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres
Dec 29, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1) looks to make a save during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Upon his re-signing with the Buffalo Sabres on August 31st, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is a late addition to the list. He has the size to man the net and the potential to become a franchise goaltender, but he continues to struggle at the AHL level despite putting up solid NHL numbers.

Look for Luukkonen to most likely man the net in Rochester but there is an outside chance he remains on the Sabres roster as the third goaltender. If Luukkonen remains in Rochester, expect him to build upon last season’s struggles. But he must find a way to stay healthy.

It is highly likely he will play well enough to warrant consideration to be the Sabres starting goaltender in 2023-24. However, if he struggles, he must ward off an upstart Devon Levi (projected to sign following the 2022-23 NCAA Season) to show he can be the franchise goaltender.

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