The Rochester Americans assigned Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, the Buffalo Sabres’ top goalie prospect, to the Cincinnati Cyclones today.
Luukkonen, who hasn’t played since undergoing hip surgery in late April, will likely start one game for the Sabres’ ECHL affiliate this weekend.
The Cyclones play the Brampton Beast on the road Saturday and Sunday.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Luukkonen is expected to become the Amerks’ No. 1 goalie. Veteran Andrew Hammond and youngster Jonas Johansson have split most of the action early this season.
The Sabres sent Luukkonen to the Amerks on Oct. 20 to begin practicing.
Luukkonen briefly joined the Amerks late last season after a stellar junior campaign with the Sudbury Wolves in which he was named the Ontario Hockey League’s MVP and top goalie. He played one regular-season game with Rochester before having surgery.
The Sabres drafted Luukkonen in the second round in 2017, 54th overall. Last season was his first in North America.