NHL Trade Rumor: Canadiens, Oilers linked to Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen as they eye goalie trade

As the Buffalo Sabres continue to carry with their three goalies on their active roster, which includes Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis, the goaltending situation at the team might change as the team may be approaching a turning point. Reports suggest that Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams will have to make at least one goaltending move, and probably two, before the next season clears out the logjam.

Meanwhile, rumors are doing the rounds that the Montreal Canadiens and the Edmonton Oilers have emerged as potential trading partners for Sabres goalie Luukkonen. While the situation remains uncertain, the interest appears serious, with both teams reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Let’s take a close look at the speculations that are currently hovering around the team.

Buffalo Sabres expected to move Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, as Montreal and Edmonton show interest

The Buffalo Sabres are still operating with three goaltenders, however, the setup may not last much longer, as the Buffalo Sabres are expected to move Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

As per reports, the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers have reportedly shown interest in Luukonen, and it has also come to light that the general manager, Kevyn Adams, is expected to make possibly two goalie-related moves before next season to resolve the growing roster congestion.


Meanwhile, David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period stated, "This may be something to look at around the draft... and this isn't the first time UPL's name has come up. But with what's going on in Buffalo, with who they've got right now, with Levi coming up, I think there's an appetite to seriously look at moving him again."

At the start of the 2025-26 campaign, Luukkonen missed several matches because of injury. He has compiled a 2.51 goals against average and a .899 save percentage across eight games (seven starts) this season.

According to the NHL, Luukkonen has signed a $23.75 million extension deal through 2028-29 after a 2023–24 campaign that saw a 2.57 goals-against average (GAA) and .910 save percentage that made him a promising rising star in the league.

However, his recent form has been very inconsistent as the goaltender has posted a 2.51 GAA and .899 save percentage in the 2025–26 season so far, across eight games (seven starts). Meanwhile, over the past two seasons, his combined save percentage has dipped to .888, and he ranks near the bottom of active NHL goaltenders as well, which is making the analysts believe that trading Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be good for the Buffalo Sabres to create opportunity between the pipes.

Also read: NHL Player Update: Is Keifer Sherwood joining the Dallas Stars following Tyler Seguin’s season-ending injury?



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