The Rochester Americans have signed 2017 second round pick goaltender Ukko-Pekko Luukkonen. He’ll report to Rochester for the Calder Cup Playoffs but it is unsure if he will see any playing time at this point.
NEWS | The #Amerks have signed goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (@ukkopekkaluukko ) to an Amateur Tryout contract.
📝: https://t.co/i9uzDA5Hsb pic.twitter.com/O1nSqxcePU
— x – Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) April 12, 2019
The 20-year-old goaltender was drafted 54th overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Level Draft by the Buffalo Sabres and has spent the last season in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sudbury Wolves.
Luukkonen is coming off of a banner year that saw him setting a team record for most wins in a regular season (38), while also leading the OHL in wins, save percentage (.920) and shutouts (6).
Coming into this season, Luukkonen’s stock was high within the Sabres organization but after his aforementioned season-long performance, his stock is now that much higher.
Even if Luukkonen does not suit up for Rochester this season, the experience of the American Hockey League should prove invaluable for a player who will likely find himself playing full-time in the minors next season.