miles Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 how long before ukko pekka luukkonen will be called up. any chance its this year as a part time backup? or is he 2 to 3 years our? is he still projected to be a great goaltender? or is he another ullmark (should be career backup)? I dont follow the lower levels of hockey, but it looks like he had a rough go at it in Rochester, but did well with the cyclones. I was able to watch i think 2 games on the tv with him playing, and he looked OK to me, but i am nowhere near able to judge talent. Quote
pastajoe Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 Most likely he’ll play another year in Cincinnati, and then move up to Rochester. At least two more years in the minors. 1 Quote
Norcal Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 He's the starter in Rochester this year with a call up or two. Maybe he gets hot and leads the Sabres on a long playoff run later in the season. It happens other places, why not? Quote
Zamboni Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 (edited) On 10/12/2020 at 2:49 AM, Norcal said: He's the starter in Rochester this year with a call up or two. Maybe he gets hot and leads the Sabres on a long playoff run later in the season. It happens other places, why not? Expand If he’s the starter in Roch.... the team is in trouble. AT BEST he’s the backup in Roch. Most likely he starts in cinci Edited October 12, 2020 by Zamboni Quote
dudacek Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 (edited) The proper path for UPL will be to start the season splitting time with Johansson and then, through his play, taking over the top spot by the time the playoffs roll around. Next year he will be the uncontested number one down there. The year after is the first he could realistically push for time in Buffalo. It will be a huge disappointment for him to start this season in Cincinnati (assuming there is an AHL season). The kid spent last season coming back from double hip surgery and still dominated the ECHL. He's a talent and he needs to take the next step for his development. Edited October 12, 2020 by dudacek 3 Quote
PerreaultForever Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 2 more years is the best plan. Anything less is iffy. 1 Quote
North Buffalo Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 Nice to be just looking to add a backup goaltender... at least for one year. Maybe some trades to reconfigure the D... though I don't think Risto goes anywhere. Sabres need his big body. Would love it if they could find another big body to go along with him and reduce his minutes. But with Borgen ready to step up it gives the Sabres some options. Quote
Curt Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 Couple years away. He probably needs real time in Rochester. I expect that he will split time with Johansson in Rochester over the next couple years, probably getting a few NHL starts in along the way. Quote
klos1963 Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 He needs to prove he can play in the NHL, first step is having some sustained success in Rochester. Would be great if he takes over as backup in 2022, but that might be too soon. Quote
French Collection Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 He is only 1 year removed from junior hockey. Goalies usually need a lot of seasoning. Carter Hart has been the recent exception. My guess is 2 years in the AHL, if there is a season this year. A strong showing in Liiga right now would boost his confidence level. Quote
miles Posted October 12, 2020 Author Report Posted October 12, 2020 thanks everyone. i was certainly not into rushing him but i love good goaltending, so i am interested in the sabres having great goaltending Quote
Gabrielor Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 Not this year, unless something disastrous happens, or he dominates the AHL. I imagine he's a backup to Johansson right now, who has an AHL all-star last year. I like 6K, but he's got a ways to go. Hasn't established himself in the AHL yet. 1 Quote
LabattBlue Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 On 10/12/2020 at 2:00 AM, pastajoe said: Most likely he’ll play another year in Cincinnati, and then move up to Rochester. At least two more years in the minors. Expand It would be a major disappointment if UPL spent another year in the ECHL. I would think he is starting at least half of the games with the Amerks this year...assuming there is an AHL season. Quote
JimS Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 On 10/12/2020 at 2:08 PM, Gabrielor said: Not this year, unless something disastrous happens, or he dominates the AHL. I imagine he's a backup to Johansson right now, who has an AHL all-star last year. I like 6K, but he's got a ways to go. Hasn't established himself in the AHL yet. Expand Thank you. People seem to forget Johansson played really well last year for Rochester. Quote
North Buffalo Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 (edited) So 5k to Rochester, what about DiPietro from Cincinnati could move him to Rochester as bkup and Johannson to Buffalo. Not saying that is what they are thinking but I guess it could be... then need to find a goalie for Cincinnati. Edited October 12, 2020 by North Buffalo Quote
Weave Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 On 10/12/2020 at 4:07 PM, North Buffalo said: So 5k to Rochester, what about DiPietro from Cincinnati could move him to Rochester as bkup and Johannson to Buffalo. Not saying that is what they are thinking but I guess it could be... then need to find a goalie for Cincinnati. Expand My recollection was that Johannson did not look ready for the NHL in his handful of appearances last season. Quote
LabattBlue Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 On 10/12/2020 at 4:07 PM, North Buffalo said: So 5k to Rochester, what about DiPietro from Cincinnati could move him to Rochester as bkup and Johannson to Buffalo. Not saying that is what they are thinking but I guess it could be... then need to find a goalie for Cincinnati. Expand What about this Houser guy mentioned in the Amerks thread? Quote
JimS Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 On 10/12/2020 at 5:22 PM, LabattBlue said: What about this Houser guy mentioned in the Amerks thread? Expand I feel if Houser plays anywhere besides Cincinnati the Amerks and Sabres are in trouble. Quote
LabattBlue Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 On 10/12/2020 at 6:18 PM, JimS said: I feel if Houser plays anywhere besides Cincinnati the Amerks and Sabres are in trouble. Expand That is what I was referring to. Previous poster was asking about finding a goalie for Cincinnati. Houser seems to be their man. 1 Quote
msw2112 Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 On 10/12/2020 at 4:58 PM, Weave said: My recollection was that Johannson did not look ready for the NHL in his handful of appearances last season. Expand Your recollection is correct. I saw him play in one game live and he clearly was not ready for the NHL. It's not to say he won't/can't develop, but he played like a rookie who was overwhelmed. Quote
Huckleberry Posted October 12, 2020 Report Posted October 12, 2020 I think he'll keep playing in Finland. Quote
Ogelthorpe Posted October 13, 2020 Report Posted October 13, 2020 3 years away at best. 1 more in Cincinnati 2 more in Roch. If not by then he will be passed by Portillo Quote
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