Sabres veteran defencemen Teppo Numminen has been found to have a minor heart problem during his team physical. Teppo has had heart problems ever since he was young, and this is his third surgery on his heart, still this is never good to see. No details yet on the procedure, but there are alot of scenarios that could play out. Some people are speculating the Teppo may retire from the sport, but I find this unlikely. On the other end of things he might have the surgery right away and be ready to go by the Sabres first game, also not too likely. The way this is looking to play out is that he will have the procedure and then be encouraged by the Sabres organization to take his time in his recovery and to return to the team in mid-November. Last year with Tim Connolly the organization proved that they were more then willing to be patient and to keep a roster spot for a player. Also, with Nathan Paetsch filling in for Teppo, it is doubtful that the Sabres would really be out that much as long as no one gets hurt.
In the long run this is probably going to have a much greater effect on the team through pre-season and the start of the year, than missing either Briere or Drury will have. This hits much closer to home in a player that everyone thought would be there on opening night. Also without Numminen the team loses it's only returning captain. Look for Campbell to wear the A until Teppo returns. Here is to hoping that all goes well...
Update: Report is that Numminen still hopes to play part of the season, and that surgery/recovery will last at least six weeks, possibly a few more. This would put a possible return date around the end of November...
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