Luukkonen Nominated for Masterton Trophy by Buffalo Sabres
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been selected as the Buffalo Sabres’ nominee for the 2023-24 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This award is given annually to the NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” Nominees are chosen from each of the NHL’s 32 teams by local chapters of the Pro Hockey Writers Association.
The winner will be selected by a poll of PHWA writers at the end of the regular season and announced at NHL Awards in June. Luukkonen, 25, faced some initial challenges in the season, as he didn’t play in the Sabres’ first six games due to the team utilizing a three-goalie rotation out of training camp. However, he worked his way to the starting job and posted impressive numbers during the second half of the season.
His season-long goals-against average (2.57) ranks 10th among qualified NHL goaltenders, and he’s tied for third in the league with five shutouts. As of April 5, Luukkonen has started 30 of Buffalo’s last 35 games and has a .917 save percentage in that span. Additionally, Luukkonen was voted by Sabres fans as one of three finalists for the Rick Martin Memorial Award, which is given annually to the Sabres player who “best demonstrates on-ice excellence, resiliency, and dedication to the community.” If he wins the Masterton Trophy, Luukkonen would become the third Sabres player to do so, joining Don Luce (1974-75) and Pat LaFontaine (1994-95).
