The Buffalo Sabres will begin their quest to end the NHL’s longest playoff drought without their top goalie.
Luukkonen exited Wednesday’s pre-season game against Pittsburgh with the injury on Wednesday. Ruff told reporters it is a different injury than the one that kept Luukkonen out of the start of training camp.
After a breakout year in 2023-24, Luukkonen’s number took a hit last season as he finished with an .887 save percentage and 3.20 goals-against average.
The Sabres’ other goaltenders on the active roster are newcomers Alexandar Georgiev and Alex Lyon.
The Sabres also said defenceman Michael Kesselring is week-to-week with an undisclosed injury. Buffalo acquired Kesselring from Utah in the J.J. Peterka deal in June.
The Sabres’ season opener is next Thursday against the visiting New York Rangers.