Sabres' Luukkonen Aims to Return by Wednesday

Goaltender rejoins team in practice, eyes comeback from injury before playoff push

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has rejoined the team in practice after missing time due to an injury that also forced him to withdraw from the Olympics. Luukkonen is targeting a return to game action by Wednesday's contest against the New Jersey Devils, giving him extra time to get back to full health during the Olympic break.

Why it matters

Luukkonen had been on a strong run for the Sabres before the injury, going 7-2-1, and his return will be crucial as the team makes a playoff push in the final 25 games of the season. The Sabres and their fans are eager to see the team make the postseason for the first time in several years.

The details

Luukkonen played just 12:14 on Jan. 27 in Toronto before having to leave the game with an injury. He then missed the Sabres' final five games before the Olympics and had to pull out of the Olympics for Team Finland due to the injury. While he's not quite 100% yet, Luukkonen said he's getting close to game shape and is optimistic about returning in time for the Sabres' first game out of the break against the Devils.

  • Luukkonen rejoined the Sabres in practice on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The Sabres play their first game out of the Olympic break against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

A goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres who was on a strong run before suffering an injury that forced him to miss time, including the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“It's getting to the point where it's pretty normal, as it's the last push to get it to game shape.”

— Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Sabres Goaltender (audacy.com)

“That's the silver lining of this whole unfortunate thing is I've been able to take my time with it and the little bit of time that we still have is going to be good for me.”

— Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Sabres Goaltender (audacy.com)

“It was devastating to know that you can't make it, but we've been playing well as a team here, but it would've been really special to be part of that.”

— Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Sabres Goaltender (audacy.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Luukkonen's return to health is crucial for the Sabres' playoff push, as the team looks to end its postseason drought and give its passionate fanbase something to cheer about in the final stretch of the season.