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Selanne continues to contemplate retirement; channeling his inner-Brett Favre?

San Jose Sharks v Anaheim Ducks

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 06: Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks waits to face off against the San Jose Sharks at Honda Center on April 6, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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Another offseason and another Teemu Selanne watch. Will he come back for one more go-around with the boys? Will he step away from the NHL and take his rightful place in the Hall of Fame three years from now? These are the questions that hockey fans around North America have been able to look forward to every summer for the last few years. There’s the NHL Awards, the draft, free agency, and then the Selanne retirement watch. At least there’s a predictable routine to rely upon.

The one thing that hasn’t changed is that this will be Selanne’s decision to make—GM Bob Murray and Ducks have publically stated they’d be happy to have him back. Last season the star right winger played on a one-year deal that had a $4.5 million cap hit. If he were to return for another tour of duty, it’s fair to expect a similar deal for the 2011-12 season. The Ducks have plenty of space both under the salary cap and on their roster for Selanne as well. If he were to retire, the Ducks would have two spots to fill for their opening night roster with either prospects or minor free agent acquisitions. Life would certainly be easier if they could pencil Selanne and his 30 goals into the 2nd line.

Selanne has silenced the critics over the last few years and has proven he still has plenty left in the tank. He had a few hiccups during the four seasons he spent in San Jose and Colorado before the lockout, but ever since he returned to Anaheim he’s returned to form. In the six season since he’s returned, he has 389 points in 380 games played. Not bad considering he started that run of points at the youthful age of 35.

But there are some who think that Selanne needs to stop wasting time and make a decision. As 41-year-old contemplates retirement, Jeff Miller of the Orange County Register went as far as to drop the F-word: Favre.

“When I left for vacation July 4, I figured Selanne would make his intentions known by the time I returned. But here we are. I’m back and we still don’t know if Selanne will be.

I understand he had work done on his knee, clouding a situation that had been unclear for months. But, come on, Teemu. We’re waiting. We’re hoping. We’re dying.”


Nevermind he’s recovering from offseason knee-surgery. After giving 637 goals, 703 assists, 1,340 points in 1,259 games, most people would agree that the man has earned the right to contemplate his future. Statistically speaking, here’s what Selanne has meant to the franchise:

Anaheim Ducks franchise records held:

- Goals, career (410)

- Goals, season (52)

- Assists, career (416)

- Points, career (826)

- Points, season (109)

- Power play goals, career (163)

- Power play goals, season (25)

- Power play points, career (367)

- Power play points, season (54)

- Games played (774)

- Plus/Minus, career (+123)

Let the man take as long as he wants. Either way, there will be a spot for him Anaheim. If he comes back for another season, it’ll be on the ice and on the power play unit. If he chooses to retire, there will be a spot for him at his jersey retirement ceremony as soon as possible.