The Buffalo Sabres are beginning to think ahead as the playoffs. They can almost taste it. A playoff berth would be monumental for the organization, but it will lead to several decisions being made after this season.
One vital decision will be to determine what needs to happen between the pipes. The Sabres must focus on building sustained success for the future, and not just a one-off postseason appearance.
This season, the team has utilized a three-goalie system. It has paid off but seems that one goalie may be the odd man out this offseason.
Alex Lyon has emerged as the primary starter and has earned that spot with play and leadership during an amazing campaign. It also has led many to wonder what will occur with now backup goalie Ukko-Pekko Luukkonen at season's end with Colten Ellis also on the active roster.
With Alex Lyon emerging and signed through next season, Luukkonen may land on the trading block this summer
Lyon has a higher save percentage (.915) to Luukkonen (.905) this season. His contract is also cheaper, and he could become more of a mentor to younger goalies Ellis and Devon Levi if the Sabres were looking to find their forever goalie of the future.
In addition, Lyon has also had several winning streaks which has helped the Sabres become one of the hottest teams in the NHL this season. It is that kind of streaks that has separated him for Luukkonen, who has been up and down this season and past years as well.
The way Lyon and Ellis play out the rest of the season will also determine how quickly the team will be looking to move Luukkonen. A deep and clutch playoff run by either goalie would make the Sabres want to move quicker.
With Ellis, he like Lyon is also a cheaper option and his age (25) and performance make it even easier for the Sabres to move on from Luukkonen.
Before the trade deadline, the Sabres made many deals, a lot including draft capital. Moving a player like Luukkonen may get some of that capital back.
In 2024, coming off a career year, Luukkonen signed a five-year contract. It seemed crazy at the time that the team would move on from him in only two seasons. However, with a playoff berth on the horizon and Lyon's emergence it may be time to make a change.
Having Ellis and Levi potentially ready to handle bigger roles merely adds to that line of thinking.