Injury Blow: Luukkonen Out for 2026 Olympics, Korpisalo Steps In

Just weeks before the puck drops at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Team Finland has been forced to make a major adjustment between the pipes. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, the Buffalo Sabres’ steadfast netminder, has officially withdrawn from the roster due to a lower-body injury.

Stepping into the void is Boston Bruins veteran Joonas Korpisalo, who now joins a Finnish goaltending corps looking to medal on the international stage. The announcement, made on February 3, 2026, shakes up Finland’s depth chart and leaves Sabres fans anxiously watching the injury report.

This isn’t just a roster swap; it’s a significant shift in momentum for a Finnish squad that prides itself on elite goaltending.

The Injury Timeline: What Happened to UPL?

The trouble started back in late January during a tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Luukkonen exited the game with what was described as a lower-body issue and hasn’t seen game action for Buffalo since.

At 26 years old, Luukkonen was poised to make his Olympic mark. He was fighting for playing time behind Nashville’s Juuse Saros and Vancouver’s Kevin Lankinen, a trio that gave Finland one of the deepest creases in the tournament. However, as the days ticked by without Luukkonen returning to practice, the writing was on the wall.

By January 29, the Sabres coaching staff noted that while UPL was “progressing,” he wasn’t yet skating. With the Olympic break imminent, the Finnish federation couldn’t afford to wait on a question mark. They made the call to bring in a healthy, experienced replacement to ensure their depth remained intact.

Korpisalo Gets the Call

Joonas Korpisalo is no stranger to pressure. Currently plying his trade with the Boston Bruins, the 31-year-old brings a wealth of NHL experience to the national team. While the circumstances of his addition are unfortunate for Luukkonen, Korpisalo offers a different kind of stability for the Lions.

“Korpisalo has been through the wars,” noted one Finnish analyst on social media following the announcement. “He’s not a rookie. You can put him in a big game and know he won’t be rattled.”

His addition reshuffles the pecking order. While Saros is still the heavy favorite to start, Korpisalo’s veteran presence provides insurance that a younger, injured Luukkonen simply couldn’t offer right now.

Impact on the Buffalo Sabres

While Finnish fans are focused on Milano-Cortina, the mood in Western New York is decidedly more somber. The Sabres are in the thick of the NHL season, and losing their starting goalie for an extended period, even during the Olympic break, is a tough pill to swallow.

The immediate focus for Buffalo shifts entirely to rehabilitation. With the NHL pausing for the Olympics, Luukkonen has a valuable window to recover without missing a massive chunk of the regular season schedule. However, lower-body injuries for goaltenders are notoriously tricky; the torque and flexibility required to play the position mean that rushing back can lead to re-injury.

Sabres management has acknowledged the roster change but has kept specific details about the severity of the injury close to the vest.

Fan Reactions: Disappointment and Optimism

The hockey world reacts fast, and this news was no exception. Social media feeds were immediately split between sympathy for UPL and pragmatic optimism for Korpisalo.

Buffalo fans were quick to voice their support, flooding timelines with well-wishes for Luukkonen’s recovery. It’s a heartbreak for any athlete to miss the Olympics, especially when they are entering the prime of their career.

On the other hand, Team Finland supporters seem confident in the “next man up” mentality. Korpisalo has had ups and downs in his career, but his playoff resume and recent form with Boston suggest he’s ready for the assignment.

What Happens Next?

For now, the paths diverge.

For Luukkonen: It’s all about rehab. He will remain with the Sabres’ medical staff, using the Olympic break to get back to 100%. The hope is that he will be ready to reclaim his net when the NHL season resumes post-tournament.

For Team Finland: The squad heads to Milan with a revised roster. They will integrate Korpisalo into their system quickly during the preliminary camp. The coaching staff will need to reassess their rotation strategy, deciding whether Korpisalo slots in as the clear backup or a third option behind Lankinen.

Expect more updates from both the Sabres and the Finnish Federation in the coming days as final preparations for the opening faceoff get underway. The dream of Olympic gold is still alive for Finland—it just looks a little different in the crease than it did a week ago.