When Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen went down on Oct. 1 with a lower-body injury in a preseason game, it seemed the Buffalo Sabres would have to answer the question of goalie fast. However, the Sabres were not sure if their primary goalie was the long-term answer even before the setback.
Now, a possible future plan without Luukkonen may be put into place sooner, as the 26-year-old Finish netminder is starting the season on injured reserve.
Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis will be competing for starting spots between the pipes as the season gets underway. Lyon is the most obvious choice as he should get the Opening Night start. He was signed at the start of NHL free agency in July.
He has experience with four NHL teams before coming to Western New York, and head coach Lindy Ruff has spoken highly of the goaltender since he signed with the organization.
"Probably his first really big opportunity," Ruff said. "We've given him a pretty good look in the preseason. There's a lot to like about his game. There's also probably a couple goals here and there that he'd want back as a goaltender."
However, the Sabres may be looking at their options as the season progresses, too.
Colton Ellis was claimed off waivers to backup either Lyon or Luukkonen during the season.
They put Alexander Georgiev on waivers after signing Ellis, despite Georgiev being on the ice for the Sabres in the preseason. However, Ellis impressed during his time in the AHL with a .922 save percentage last season, and he should get a start within the first few weeks of the season.
That also brings the question if Ellis will be waived when Luukkonen returns or will Ruff and his coaching staff view the chance to have three goalies ready to go if needed.
And then there is fan favorite and a goaltender who always seems to get a start or two during the season, Devon Levi. The prospect, who's currently with the AHL's Rochester Americans, has 36 starts in his NHL career and stepped up when Luukkonen was both injured and struggled last year.
Just two years ago, Devon Levi had an 10-8 record for a team that finished with more points than last year.
If Lyon and Ellis play well, could the Sabres look at using Luukkonen as a trade asset to either gain draft capital or add a piece for a postseason push?
The Sabres have been searching for a long term answer since Ryan Miller left. That future long-term great goaltender may be in the organization or may not be.
If the Sabres make the playoffs though, it won't matter to the fanbase who is goalie or how many starts he may have. They will all be remembered.