If you’re a fan of the Buffalo Sabres and the OHL you’re in luck, as top goaltending prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has decided to play for the Sudbury Wolves this season instead of going back to Finland. Luukkonen was the third pick in the CHL import draft which was a strong indicator that he would come to North America right away. The Sabres signed him to a three-year entry-level contract in June, and were likely big supporters of coming over where they can see him more often.
Luukkonen, 19, was the Sabres second-round pick in 2017 and is among the top goaltending prospects in hockey. Standing 6’4″ already, at times it can seem as though Luukkonen fills up the entire net with his huge frame and yet still has quick movements and reflexes. His results have varied throughout his career in Finland, but there are few who doubt his potential to be a starting goaltender one day in the NHL. That’s a tough thing to live up to for any young netminder though since the game changes so much at each level, meaning this year will be a good test to see if he can dominate right away.
Sudbury struggled all over the ice last season and had poor performances in net, but should be improved this season in front of Luukkonen. If he can perform well this season, there could be a spot for him in the AHL as soon as 2019-20. The Sabres are promoting Linus Ullmark to the NHL this season and signed Carter Hutton for the next three years, but don’t have a ton of young depth at the position. Scott Wedgewood will be the likely starter in the AHL this season, but that could be just keeping the crease warm for Luukkonen’s arrival.