Teppo Numminen, a 20-year NHL veteran who played the last four seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, made his retirement official on Wednesday.
The 41-year-old returned from missing the 2007-08 season due to heart surgery and posted two goals and 17 points in 57 games last year for the Sabres.
"I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play with and against the best players in the world for so many years," Numminen admitted. "Playing hockey in the NHL and also for my country was very enjoyable. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, fans, and the media for all the great years."
Selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the second round of the 1986 draft, Numminen made his NHL debut during the 1988-89 season. In 1,372 regular-season games with the Jets/Coyotes, Stars and Sabres, he racked up 117 goals and 637 points.
He participated in more NHL games than any other Finnish-born player, surpassing Hall of Fame forward Jari Kurri in November, 2006. In addition, Numminen represented Finland in four Winter Olympic games (1988, 1998, 2002, 2006), five World Championships, and two World Cup of Hockey tournaments.
A slick, puck-moving defenseman with a deceptive shot from the point, Numminen's best statistical campaign came in the Jets' final season in Winnipeg in 1995-96, with 11 goals and 54 points in 74 games. However, it was not until 1999 that he received an All-Star nod, and was selected to the mid- season contest for three straight seasons from 1999-2001.
He served as captain of the Coyotes from 2001-03, and was an alternate captain with the Sabres.
"I'm certainly going to miss playing the game," Numminen added. "I appreciate everything the game has given me, and now I look forward to spending more time with my family."
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