TORONTO — Veteran defenceman Teppo Numminen announced his retirement Wednesday after 20 years in the NHL.
The 41-year-old Finn was an unrestricted free agent after playing the last four seasons in Buffalo. He also had stops in Winnipeg, Phoenix and Dallas during his career.
“I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play with and against the best players in the world for so many years,” he said in a NHL Players’ Association release. “Playing hockey in the NHL and also for my country, Finland, was very enjoyable.”
Numminen, a three-time all-star, had 17 points in 57 games for the Sabres last season. In 1,372 career games, he recorded 117 goals and 520 assists.
Numminen also accumulated six medals in his international hockey career with Finland, including most a silver at the 2006 Turin Olympics.
Numminen’s retirement comes a day before veteran forward Jeremy Roenick is expected to announce he’s calling it a career in San Jose.