NHL

• Sabres' Numminen released from hospital

  
  

  Buffalo, NY (Sports Network) - Buffalo Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen has been released from the hospital after having heart surgery last Thursday.

  Buffalo Sabres team physician Dr. William Hartrich announced in a statement released Thursday that Numminen, who had surgery to repair a faulty valve that was discovered during a routine physical earlier this month, was released on Tuesday and is resting comfortable at home.

  "His post-operative recovery continues to be excellent and Teppo's right on schedule for a full recovery," said Hartrich. "His spirits are great and he's getting stronger everyday."

  Barring complications in his recovery, Numminen could return to the lineup as soon as December.

  Numminen, 39, has twice had his heart operated on in the past. The last time was in the summer of 2006, when he had a procedure performed at the Cleveland Clinic to correct an irregular heartbeat. Numminen has lived with a heart murmur since his childhood and had a procedure done in 2004 due to a dilated aorta.

  Over an 18-year career he has played in 1,314 games and has totaled 115 goals and 505 assists. He spent his first 15 seasons with the Winnipeg/Phoenix organization, the 2003-04 season in Dallas and the past two seasons with Buffalo.

  Last season, he had two goals and 27 assists in 79 games with Buffalo.

  On November 13, 2006, he played in his 1,252th game, which passed Hall of Famer Jarri Kurri for most ever by a European player.

  09/27 18:20:40 ET