OTP - Do The Sabres Need A Different Type Of Head Coach? The 2023-24 season was another disappointing one for the Buffalo Sabres. In a year when they were supposed to take a big step forward, they struggled and extended their postseason drought to 13 years. While the Sabres had another frustrating season, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was a bright spot for them. The 25-year-old netminder broke out and became the club's definite No. 1 starter because of it. In 54 appearances, he had a 27-22-4 record, a 2.57 GAA, a .910 SV%, and five shutouts. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NTI3MjE5NTM0MDQ2NjAx/usatsi_22928842.jpg] Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen Luukkonen is a restricted free agent this offseason and has naturally set himself up for a raise from his $837,500 salary. Due to his excellent play, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-a-note-on-every-playoff-series-and-award-vote/] the Sabres are working on an extension for UPL. Re-signing Luukkonen should be a no-brainer for the Sabres, as he was their top goalie by a country mile this season. Along with that, he has expressed [https://www.thefourthperiod.com/apr-2024/luukkonen-open-to-long-term-deal] that he is open to the prospect of signing a long-term extension in Buffalo. We will need to wait and see if the Sabres end up getting Luukkonen signed to a new contract shortly. Given how well he played this season, locking him up early would be quite good for the Sabres. RECENT SABRES NEWS Ex-Sabres Defender Thriving with Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/ex-sabres-defender-thriving-with-panthers] Sabres Have 2 Free-Agent Targets from Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-have-2-free-agent-targets-from-jets] Sabres Looking to Make Splashes This Offseason [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-looking-to-make-splashes-this-offseason] Top Coach Viewed as Potential Target for Sabres [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/top-coach-viewed-as-potential-target-for-sabres]