Luukkonen was reassigned to the taxi squad from Rochester on Saturday in the wake of an injury to Linus Ullmark, who is considered week-to-week. Granato said the team wanted to give him time with the NHL club before thrusting him into the lineup, allowing Tokarski to start the last four games.
Luukkonen participated in Buffalo's morning skate prior to backing up Tokarski on Tuesday and followed it with a full practice on Wednesday. Granato said the team is prepping him on the details of the system, from where to expect shots to defensive pressure points.
"Those are things you just want to make sure he has a feel for," Granato said. "Just obvious preparation for him. But when the game's on, it's a read-and-react (situation). So, he's on his own in that to internalize all that. That's why he's a talented guy. He'll figure it out in due time."
The Sabres drafted Luukkonen during the second round in 2017. He spent a year in Finland before coming to North America and turning heads with a dominant, MVP season for Sudbury of the Ontario Hockey League in 2018-19. He won a gold medal at the World Junior Championship that same year.
The organization has been patient with his pro development during the two years since. Luukkonen spent the majority of his first pro season with ECHL Cincinnati, where he was selected to the All-Star Game. He assumed No. 1 duties in Rochester this season with Tokarski spending much of his time in Buffalo.
Tokarski said Luukkonen has the tools to develop into an elite goaltender, citing intangibles beyond the 22-year-old's 6-foot-4 frame.
"First of all, as a young, top prospect coming in, just to be humble and work so hard," Tokarski said. "When I was in Roch with him, there was a lot of practices, obviously, with the long training camp there. Just every day putting in the reps, not complaining.
"Obviously, it's no secret he's got the talent to be elite, he's shown it throughout his whole young career. So, I think when you put the talent in with the work ethic and being humble I think can go a long way."
Whether it comes Thursday, Friday, or beyond, Granato has been open about the team's plans to reward Luukkonen with a look at the NHL level this season.
"I'm excited to see him with this opportunity coming for him," Granato said. "He's worked hard for it. I have watched that and have seen that so I'm looking forward to him being in there."