Attention Buffalo Sabres fans:
Teppo Numminen is healthy and ready to get to work !
Teppo arrived in Buffalo from his native Finland on Sunday, and he joined his Sabres teammates for an informal, uptempo, 90 minute workout in subrban Buffalo this morning.
His feet looked quick, and he looked to be in mid-season form.
You'll recall that Teppo was forced to the bench by a flare up of his irregular heartbeat during the ECF versus Carolina in June.
Teppo had successful surgery to correct the ailment, and he's proclaimed himself ready to go.
" I had the surgery in Cleveland in June, and I feel so much better. I feel great actually", Teppo told me after his first on-ice workout in Buffalo since the Sabres season ended. "Its great to be playing hockey with the boys again".
"No symptoms, no problems, no concerns. I'm ready to go. I can't wait for camp to begin".
Buffalo wasted little time re-signing the veteran blue-liner to a one year $2.2 million deal on July 1. Teppo's re-signing was of paramount importance to the Sabres as they have lost a 10 year veteran in Jay McKee. They'll need Teppo to work his zen-like magic with Campbell, Paetsch, Tallinder, Kalinin, and Lydman. Replacing McKee will not be easy, and Lindy Ruff is counting on Teppo and the boys will play up to their collective ability level.
Teppo quickly assumed a leadership role in his first season in Buffalo, and Darcy Regier and Lindy Ruff will look to the 17 year veteran to lead the D corps again this season.
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Sabres tough guy, Andrew Peters is looking svelt these days.
wait a minute: Peters and svelt in the same sentence ?!!
"I've lost twenty pounds this Summer, and I feel great, look at me I'm a stud", the big fella told me after practice.
How'd ya do it, Petey?
"I've been following Doug McKenny's offseason workout program to a tee. I'm running more and doing a lot of cardio. I haven't lost any muscle, and I've lowered my body fat count. I'm can't wait for camp to start!"
Does the new physique mean that Petey will become a finesse guy this season?
"Yeah, right! I may be lean, but I'm still mean".
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No news to report on the Ryan Miller contract . I'm told that "a deal is not far off". When I know, you'll know.
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No one has seen Tim Connolly, and it appears likely that he won't be in Buffalo for the start of training camp. Camp opens on with physicals on September 14, and the on-ice portions kicks off September 15. Connolly has not been cleard by doctors to begin skating and contact. More on Tim's status as it becomes available.
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I want to thank two hockeybuzz fans who met me for lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings this afternoon.
Gary Zoldos and Dave Bryk work for Fetch Logistics in WNY, and they are huge hockeybuzz.com fans. If you're looking to ship freight from the US to Canada and vice versa, call Dave @ 716.689.4556.
I had a great time guys! we'll do it again.
I had the U2 show jacked up to " 11 " on the ride back to my domicile.
You Rock!!
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Thats my story and I'm stickin to it........
Garth
[email protected] 
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