from John Vogl of Sabres Edge at the Buffalo News,

Ruff saved his most emotional thanks for the fans as he fought tears through a cracking voice.

"Last and most importantly is our fans," said Ruff, who spent 26 of his 53 years as part of the Sabres. "The people who have made this place special for myself and my family.

"It's a place I call home and always will call home. Western New York is where I'm going to live."

Ruff has no immediate plans, though he wants to return to coaching.

"I miss it already," he said.

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