Teemu Selanne is clear when he says he won’t play in the National Hockey League again.
However, when it comes to whether he’ll play professional hockey again, well that seems up in the air.
While speaking at a press conference to announce the Teemu Selanne Hockey Academy in his native Finland, the 44-year-old wouldn’t rule out a possible return to the game.
Finnish hockey reporter Juha Hiitelä has more:“If I had to decide about my career a week ago, I’d say my career is over. NHL career is definitely over.”
— Juha Hiitelä (@jhiitela) August 11, 2014
“But I don’t need to say my career is over. There’s no need to say anything else. I’ve learned that never say never.”
— Juha Hiitelä (@jhiitela) August 11, 2014
“I can figure out if I still want to play or not.”
— Juha Hiitelä (@jhiitela) August 11, 2014
Selanne, who played 1451 NHL games over 21 seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks, has reportedly been offered as much as $10 million to join Jokerit of the KHL in his hometown of Helsinki.
“I don’t need to decide it (playing) right now. Idea of playing in Jokerit is tempting.”
— Juha Hiitelä (@jhiitela) August 11, 2014
Selanne, the 10th overall selection of the Jets in 1988, scored 684 goals and 1457 points during his NHL career. He is a four-time Olympian and was a part of the Finnish team which won the bronze medal at the 2014 Olympics in Socchi. Selanne won his one, and only, Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007.
Related: Ducks to retire Selanne’s number Jan. 11 vs. Winnipeg