During the Buffalo Sabres 7-4 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 27, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen exited the game early due to an injury. On Tuesday morning, it was announced that the goaltender, who was set to represent Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics, will unfortunately be unable to participate. Boston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo is his injury replacement.
Luukkonen, who has been a key contributor in the Sabres’ success this season, has played in 21 games and has recorded a save percentage (SV%) of .904 and a goals against average (GAA) of 2.73.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff stated on Monday that Luukkonen had progressed but has not skated since the injury.
“We really haven’t talked about the Olympics yet,” Ruff said Jan. 29. “We don’t want to rule it out or rule it however we have to rule it. Let’s just see where we get by early next week.”
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Luukkonen was one of three Sabres set to represent their country at the Olympics, along with Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin.
Luukkonen will use the Olympic break to rest up, do any needed rehab, and get back on the ice as the Sabres push for the playoffs and to break their 14-season postseason drought.
Korpisalo has played in 21 games and has recorded a SV% of .895 and a GAA of 3.12. He will join his teammate Henri Jokiharju on Finland and is now one of a staggering eight Bruins named to Olympic rosters.
The Olympic Men’s Hockey tournament starts on Feb. 11 and runs until Feb. 22, with the Gold Medal game held on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8:10 am EST.
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