December 4, 2025 | 6:27pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

WILL THE SABRES LISTEN ON LUUKKONEN CALLS?

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, goaltender

The Buffalo Sabres appear to have multiple options at the goaltender position, especially with youngster Devon Levi developing in the AHL, and some teams are curious if Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen may be up for grabs later in the season or over the summer, according to TFP’s David Pagnotta.

Luukkonen, 26, is in the second season of a five-year, $23.75 million contract and owns an attractive $4.75 million cap hit that some teams are interested in. He also has a five-team no-trade list as part of his deal, but that doesn’t kick in until July 1.

During Wednesday’s edition of the DFO Rundown Insider Edition with Irfaan Gaffar, Pagnotta reported some teams are curious about Luukkonen’s availability, but reiterated that this may be something teams pursue in June if a deal can’t be made mid-season.

“This may be something to look at around the draft... and this isn’t the first time UPL’s name has come up,” Pagnotta stated.

“But with what’s going on in Buffalo, with who they’ve got right now, with Levi coming up, I think there’s an appetite to seriously look at moving him again.”

With various holes on the roster at other positions, the Sabres could dangle Luukkonen for some extra fire power up front or to help solidify the blueline.

Watch Full Episode

“For teams that want to get a little creative with their goaltending and want to kind of modify things later on, I do think that there could be a scenario in place where (Sabres GM) Kevyn Adams looks at moving that goalie and either addresses the goaltending position again or looks to help other areas of the club. I think that would make more sense,” Pagnotta said.

The Sabres have just over $3.5 million in salary cap space, as it currently stands, and could add an impact player with that space plus Luukkonen’s cap figure on the move.

Pagnotta noted the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers may be two teams eyeing Luukkonen.

Buffalo currently sits 15th in the Eastern Conference with an 11-12-4 record, just one point ahead of the Florida Panthers for last in the East.