Buffalo Sabres: The top-10 players under 24, part one
By Ed Stein
6. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (20), Goaltender, 2017 2nd round, 54th overall
A year after being drafted by the Sabres, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen decided to continue his junior career in North America. Aside from leading Finland to WJC Gold, he was the OHL Most Outstanding Player, as well as the league’s Goalie of the Year with 38 wins, a 2.50 goals against average and .920 save percentage.
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When building a prototype goalie, Luukkonen would be straight out of the mold. He’s got good size at 6-4. Considering he’s only 20-years-old, he might have a little more growing to do. Luukkonen plays the butterfly style but certainly doesn’t sit back and wait for shots. He has no problem challenging shooters and his quite good at it.
An athletic and agile netminder, UPL does a marvelous job of staying in position. When he does move, the Finn is gazelle fast, gliding across his crease. Luukkonen uses all the tools at his disposal to make saves including his stick and blocker. Even more outstanding is his glove work. He grabs pucks like the Karate Kid grabs a fly out of mid-air with chopsticks.
Luukkonen made a cameo appearance with the Amerks last season. This year he’ll be with the Rochester full time unless injuries strike the Sabres hard. Another year of acclimation to North American ice can only serve him well. Eventually, Luukkonen projects as a solid NHL goalie, with number one potential.
Next. Yankees playoff roster, Cameron Maybin or Mike Tauchman?. dark
We will be back with the top five on Friday.