April 20, 2024 | 9:50am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

LUUKKONEN OPEN TO LONG-TERM DEAL

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, goaltender

Contract talks have started between the Buffalo Sabres and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and the two sides will continue to have conversations as the days approach summer.

Luukkonen, 25, is in the final year of a two-year, $1.675 million contract and is eligible to become a restricted free agent July 1.

Speaking with the media on Thursday, Luukkonen acknowledged that contract negotiations are underway but noted things aren’t “too crazy yet.”

He also admitted a desire to signing a long-term contract with the Sabres and being another member of the core inked to lengthy deals.

“I like Buffalo,” he told reporters. “I think we have a really, really good group of guys here who, as you said, are signed for a longer contract. In the end, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I for sure would not be against it.”

In 54 games with the Sabres this season, 51 of which game in starts, Luukkonen posted a 27-22-4 record with a 2.57 goals-against-average, a .910 save percentage and five shutouts.