Sabres GM says Luukkonen will be ‘big part’ of team’s future as Hellebuyck trade rumors persist

Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen publicly supported starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen during an interview with radio station WGR 550, asserting he will remain a major part of the franchise's future. Kekäläinen's endorsement comes amid persistent trade rumors linking Buffalo to Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who has reportedly requested a trade from Winnipeg.

Luukkonen has experienced early-season struggles, logging a .860 save percentage across his first seven games after posting a 22-9-3 record in 2025-26. Kekäläinen acknowledged Luukkonen's slower start but expressed confidence that the 27-year-old will regain form, while also highlighting the team's depth with netminders Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis.