Teppo Numminen became the second Buffalo Sabres unrestricted free-agent to re-sign with the club. This was an important signing for the Sabres because of the void in leadership. The contract is reportedly a one year deal worth $2.6 million.
"It was an easy decision to come back," Numminen told the News on Wednesday from his home in Finland. "I was hoping to come back. It was a situation where I told them I wanted to come back and I'm glad it worked out well. Being there two years, I really enjoyed myself and my family really felt comfortable in Buffalo. That was my first choice."
I would anticipate that Numminen is the leading canidate for the vacant captaincy. Teppo was quietly one of Buffalo's best defenseman this past season posting a plus 17 rating. This may be the final season of Numminen's career and he seems happy to be a Sabre.
Isn't it ironic how some players truly love to play for the Sabres and others appear to despise playing Buffalo. Call it what you will but it's obvious that Drury, Briere and Mike Grier did not want to stay in Buffalo.
Let's hope that this is the first of a couple of signings. The Sabres are in need of a left wing and a center and possibly a little bit more depth.