Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who was already one of the Buffalo Sabres' biggest question marks entering the 2025-26 NHL season, is now dealing with an injury that leaves his status unsettled ahead of an Oct. 9 Opening Night matchup with the New York Rangers.
UPL struggled mightily behind a porous defense last season. He posted a 3.20 goals against average and .887 save percentage in 55 games, a precipitous drop from his 2023-24 numbers (2.57 GAA and .910 SV%). Yet, he was still projected to open training camp as the Sabres' unquestioned starter between the pipes before suffering the injury.