With the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off culminating this week in Boston, I wanted to do something a little different and combine the 4 Nations idea with the ‘quarter-century teams’ idea, and come up with what an all-time Four Nations team could look like if only Buffalo Sabres players/alumni were included.
Is it ridiculous? Sure. Is it fun? Also sure.
Let’s start with Finland. There actually are not enough Finnish players in Sabres history to fill an entire roster, so in order to be somewhat picky, I’ve got to cut it down. For this team, I’m only selecting a starting lineup: three forwards, two defenders and one goaltender. (Otherwise, if I were to include everyone… well, Ville Leino would make the team.)
I’m taking into consideration first and foremost, how these players performed during their careers – no matter how brief – with the Buffalo Sabres, but also mildly considering their overall performances as pro hockey players in their careers. As you’ll see, some of these players have long since retired, so let’s have some fun and imagine an all-time team even if some of these guys would never have had the chance to play together.
Forwards
- Joel Armia: drafted by the Sabres 16th overall in 2011; only played one game with the NHL team in 2014-15 but had 52 points in 87 games with the AHL’s Rochester Americans. Has since played with the Winnipeg Jets (+ AHL team) and Montreal Canadiens (+ AHL team). Currently with the Canadiens and has 24 points (10-14) in 56 games. Also played for Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Now 31 years old.
- Arttu Ruotsalainen: played 35 games with the Sabres between 2020-2022, notching 10 points; also skated in 70 regular-season games with the Rochester Americans & had 64 points (23-41). Also had 12 points in 10 playoff games with the Amerks in 2022. Has since played overseas in Switzerland & Sweden. Currently with Frolunda HC, where he has 16 points (7-9) in 34 games. Now 27 years old.
- Christian Ruuttu: drafted by the Sabres 134th overall in 1983; spent six seasons with Buffalo from 1986-1992, accruing 331 points (101-230) in 438 games. Also played with Chicago and Vancouver in the NHL, with 621 career games and 432 career points total, before going overseas. Retired in 1999.
Defenders
- Toni Lydman: joined the Sabres in 2005 after four seasons with the Calgary Flames; played five years and 371 games with Buffalo from 2006-2010, putting up 105 points (14-91) and 311 PIMs. Also played with Anaheim, finishing his career with 847 games played and 242 points. Served as assistant coach with Jukurit from 2022-2024. Retired in 2013.
- Teppo Numminen: joined the Sabres in 2005, toward the end of his playing career; spent four seasons in Buffalo from 2006-2009, playing 212 games and putting up 86 points (including 80 assists). A valuable defender who skated over 1300 NHL games between Buffalo, Phoenix/Winnipeg and Dallas. Retired in 2009.
Goaltender
- Ukko-Pekka Lukkonen: drafted by the Sabres 54th overall in 2017; has played 139 NHL games, all with Buffalo, since 2020, with a 2.99 GAA and .902 save percentage. Also represented Finland at the 2019 World Juniors. Currently 25 years old.