New starting goalie on trade block may interest Oilers
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
32 thoughts podcaster and Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman has revealed that Buffalo Sabres starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen may be available for trade which could be of interest to the Oilers.
Much has been made about the Sabres as of late as they had recently traded one of their top stars in JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth and maybe looking to move other players including their starting goalie.
Luukkonen will garner attention and interest on the trade market
The 26-year-old netminder was drafted by the Sabres in 2017, second round, 54th overall.
Over the past two seasons he had taken the starting netminder role and had a decent stat line in 2023-2024 where he had a record of 27-22-4 With a goal against of 2.57 and a save percentage of .910 with five shutouts.
This past season was a much different story as Luukkonen saw his record go to .500 of 24-24-5 but a goal against a 3.20 and save percentage of .887.
The Oilers and the Sabres have had a trade history as they had made a deal last year when they sent Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio in exchange for Matthew Savoie.
It's becoming clear that the Oilers need to make a change in net as they need a consistent starting goaltender who can carry them through the season and into the playoffs.
Luukkonen signed a five-year contract back in 2024 that has a value of $23.75 million and a cap hit of 4.75 million per season. This contract will run out in 2028 -2029.
Oilers could send one goalie to the Sabres
Both Oilers goaltenders are signed for next year and likely one either Skinner or Picard would need to go back to the Buffalo Sabres to improve their deal.
Likely a prospect and draft pick will also need to be included as the Oilers would likely take on the entire contract.
It remains to be seen on which direction the Sabres will go as it appears that unrest continues in the dressing room and the team cannot find their way with so many years of missing the playoffs.
Maybe the Oilers would be an answer for Luukkonen and to help him turn his numbers and seasons around.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 27 | 754 ANSWERS New starting goalie on trade block may interest Oilers Would you make a deal to land Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka-Luukkonen ? | ||
| Yes | 500 | 66.3 % |
| No | 254 | 33.7 % |
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