Luukkonen signs 5-year, $23.75 million contract with Sabres

The goalie achieved a career-best record of 54 games played last season and successfully avoided an arbitration hearing.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen signed a five-year, $23.75 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. It has an average annual value of $4.75 million.

On July 5, the restricted free agent, a 25-year-old goaltender, had submitted a request for salary arbitration.

Last season, in a career-best of 54 games (51 starts), Luukkonen achieved a record of 27-22-4 with a goals-against average of 2.57, a save percentage of .910, and a remarkable five shutouts.

Luukkonen, who was chosen by Buffalo in the second round (No. 54) of the 2017 NHL Draft, has played in a total of 100 games (96 starts). During this time, he has achieved a record of 47 wins, 41 losses, and 10 ties, with a goals against average (GAA) of 2.98 and a save percentage of .904. Additionally, he has successfully recorded five shutouts.