Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had one of the best regular seasons of his career, but after struggling some in the playoffs, the rumors have been relentless this offseason. The most notable is that the Sabres connected to Connor Hellebuyck, and if that does become a reality, then Luukkonen's time with Buffalo almost certainly would come to an end.
Luukkonen, who was a second-round pick by the Sabres in the 2017 NHL Draft, showed during the regular season why the Sabres drafted him so high. He started 34 games and went 22-9-3 with a save percentage of .909 and set a career-best goals against average of 2.52.
The playoffs were a different story, and one of the reasons the Sabres have explored trade options to address the position. He would appear in six playoff games and went 3-3 in those starts with a goals against average of 3.18 and a save percentage of .876.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen chasing personal milestones if he remains with the Buffalo Sabres
While last regular season was great, this season could be even better as the Sabres' goalie chases personal milestones and looks to move up in the franchise record books. For his career, Luukkonen currently has 190 games played, 185 starts, and 93 wins.
It wouldn't be unrealistic to believe that Luukkonen could reach 200 games played and starts while also surpassing 100 career wins this upcoming season. If he surpasses 200 games played, he will be the ninth player to accomplish that with the team and the first since Ryan Miller to do so, who is the franchise leader with 540.
For games started, it is a similar story for Luukkonen as he will become the eighth player to reach this milestone and the first since Ryan Miller. If Luukkonen reaches 100 wins, he will move up to seventh all-time in Sabres' history and surpass Daren Puppa but might not reach Bob Sauve who has 119.
Last season, the Sabres went with a three-goalie rotation, and unless they make a trade for Hellebuyck, it seems that is going to be the plan once again. It is not typical and comes with its own challenges managing games and practice time to ensure no player gets too rusty.
However, at least in the regular season, it worked for the Sabres and Luukkonen in particular. The stats speak for themselves, and while he may not get as many starts, it still will be enough to reach some personal milestones and move up in the Sabres' record books.
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