Sep

13

Teppo Numminen to Surgery… Again

September 13, 2007 |

Teppo NumminenThe Buffalo Sabres announced today that defenseman Teppo Numminen will undergo heart surgery. After a physical exam by team doctors, it was determined that he would need surgery for a past cardiac condition, unrelated to the procedure he underwent in 2006. At the end of last season, many were speculating that he would retire after finishing a memorable season, during which time he scored 2 goals and 27 assists (NHL Stats). Numminen also surpassed Jarri Kurri on November 13, 2006, when he played in his 1,252 game. Clearly, he is not a defenseman that does the bare minimum. Numminen has been an asset to the Sabres, and has surprised many, despite his age.

No word has been stated about when the surgery will take place, or how long Teppo will be sidelined for. The Sabres have a good mix of defensemen to step up and take his place, but he brings more than just talent to the ice. He has had a steady leadership role, often masked in the past by the dual captaincy that was recently dissolved. This will most likely be Numminen’s last season in the NHL, but now his future is even more unpredictable. Now to hope that the other veteran defensemen can step up! Or step off…

Good luck Numminen!

(Photo Courtesy of Let’s Go Sabres.)


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