1
He announced his retirement from professional ice hockey on August 4, 2009.
15 Interesting Facts About Teppo Numminen
Teppo Numminen was a Finnish defenseman who played 20 seasons in the NHL, becoming an IIHF Hall of Famer and holding the record for most NHL games played by a European-trained player at the time of his retirement.
Position
Defence
Jersey
#27
Status
Retired
Teams
6
Facts
15
2
He was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2013 for his distinguished international and professional career.
3
He played a total of 1,372 NHL games during his extensive career.
4
He was originally drafted 29th overall in the second round of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft.
5
He represented his home country of Finland in multiple international tournaments, earning three Olympic medals.
6
His number 27 jersey was enshrined into the Phoenix Coyotes' Ring of Honor in 2010, recognizing his significant contributions to the franchise.
7
He played fifteen seasons for the Winnipeg/Phoenix organization before being traded to the Dallas Stars in July 2003.
8
He took a break from hockey during the 2004-05 NHL lockout, subsequently signing as a free agent with the Buffalo Sabres.
9
He played in the NHL All-Star Game three consecutive times, participating in the 1999, 2000, and 2001 events.
10
On November 13, 2006, he played his 1,252nd game in the NHL, setting a new record for most NHL games played by a European-trained player at that time.
11
He underwent open heart surgery on September 20, 2007, to repair a faulty valve, returning to play for the final game of the 2007-08 season.
12
His 534 points stand as a franchise record for defensemen in the Winnipeg/Phoenix organization.
13
At the time of his retirement, he was the last remaining player from the 1986 NHL Entry Draft still active in the NHL.
14
He extended his record to 1,372 NHL games, which was the most by a European-born and trained player at any position until broken by Nicklas Lidström in the 2009–10 season.
15
His brother, Teemu, was also drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 1992 but never made it to the NHL.
About Teppo Numminen
Teppo Numminen was a Finnish defenceman who played 20 seasons in the NHL for the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and Buffalo Sabres. Known for his longevity and steady play, he held the record for most NHL games played by a European-trained player at the time of his retirement. He was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2013 and had his number 27 jersey honored by the Coyotes.
Career Achievements & Milestones
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IIHF Hall of Fame Inductee
2013
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NHL All-Star Game Selection
1999, 2000, 2001
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Olympic Silver Medal
1988, 2006
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Olympic Bronze Medal
1998
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Phoenix Coyotes Ring of Honor
2010
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Teppo Numminen.
Player Info
Country: Finland
Position: Defence
Jersey #: 27
Status: Retired
Age: 57 years old
Physical Stats
Height: 6' 2" (188 cm)
Weight: 198 lbs (90 kg)
Born: Tampere, Finland
Career Stats
Seasons: 23
Goals: 117
Assists: 520
Points: 637
Teams: 6
Drafted: 1986
Round: 2nd
Teams & Career
Tappara Winnipeg Jets TuTo Phoenix Coyotes Dallas Stars Buffalo Sabres
Teppo Numminen played for 6 different teams during his 23 seasons career. He was originally drafted 2nd overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 1986.