They know

It’s not only that the Buffalo Sabres are my favorite team since childhood, but the fact they’re also one of the best-signing teams in the league is what makes the trip to Boston worthwhile.
Not only does nearly every member of the team sign, but they’ll spend time chatting with you.

Such players as team captain Daniel Briere, uber-goalie Ryan Miller and top prospect Thomas Vanek not only signed multiples (on several occasions, too, for some greedy collectors), but they were also downright cordial.

One player, however, stood out. Teppo Numminen, the Sabres’ biggest splash in the free-agent market this year, has always been known as a classy, fan favorite. After returning from dinner with Bruins-legend-turned-financial-adviser Derek "The Turk" Sanderson, the Finnish defenseman willingly obliged the request of a handful of collectors.

When it came to my turn, I let him know that the three pucks were headed to my collection, not eBay.

"That’s good. Those dealers, they ruin it for everyone," he said outside the team hotel. "Collectors. Fans. Even the players."

Pucks shown above:

Buffalo Sabres (double logo): Ryan Miller
Winnipeg Jets: Teppo Numminen
University of Minnesota: Thomas Vanek