It was only about two seasons ago when Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was considered one of the best goalies in the NHL. Now he seems to be the odd goalie out in the Sabres room and that is because of the emerging youngster from Nova Scotia.
Colten Ellis has seven starts and has won more games than lost, and is looking like a better option behind Alex Lyon than Luukkonen. Ellis has performed as a strong backup and would be less costly to the Sabres if they chose to come him over the other.
Currently, Ellis is slated to make $775,000 as opposed to over $4 million for Luukkonen. The Sabres could trade the once star for either trade capital or more cap room if they were looking to make a move this season.
As Ellis is looking at more upside as backup, Luukkonen is now looking at more downside for inconsistent play and the cost of having a high-paid goalie who is not between the pipes for the majority of the season.
General manager Kevyn Adams may wish to have more options for a trade with the higher paid player in Luukkonen.
Also, the Buffalo Sabres have been waiting for the rise of Devon Levi for the Americans. He has been called up several times and has had bright spots for the Sabres in sporadic appearances.
Ellis would be a lesser name and better placeholder as Levi continues to hone his skills. Having a veteran on the roster, such as Lyon, could help both and would be less of an issue with Luukkonen now waiting behind him.
Due to his performance two seasons ago, he has a longer shadow than a goalie such as Ellis.
Stability and by committee may be the key for the Sabres behind the pipes this season. If they are able to keep pace in the wild-card race, they may be looking for an added offensive weapon.
Now with Ellis emerging, it may be time for them to turn the reins over to Levi and have Lyons as the veteran. That would free them up to trade Luukkonen and add another winger that could be the difference between them continuing the postseason drought and playing a seven-game series.
It has been a while since the Sabres had hope and a strong piece between the pipes, longer than a season or two. The combination of Ellis and Levi may be the hope coming along.