Potential farewell to “The Finnish Flash”
The illustrious NHL career of Teemu Selanne could be coming to an end in the coming weeks as the Anaheim Ducks need a remarkable series of results to clinch a playoff spot. Selanne was debating retirement at this point last year but ended up signing a one year extension with Anaheim, meaning he is now facing decision time once again.
This is not to say that the three time goal-scoring leader is done, even at 41 he’s put up 64 points and the season isn’t even over. He currently plays on a line with fellow veteran and countryman Saku Koivu, they first played together for the national side in 1994 so plenty of chemistry there. I’m sure the Ducks would love to take him on for at least another year, even if his production drops he would still bring excellent leadership qualities to the table, it’s just up to the man himself whether he wants to stick around.
Going back to the beginning, and the Winnipeg Jets selecting Teemu with the 10th pick in the 1988 draft, but despite impressing with home town club Jokerit, it took him until 1992 to earn a spot on the Jets’ roster. What ensued however was a rookie season that far surpassed any reasonable expectation as Selanne went on to total a remarkable 76 goals and 132 points which an all time high for a rookie, unsurprisingly he was awarded the Calder Trophy for his efforts. Winnipeg traded him to the then Mighty Ducks in 1996 and aside from a couple of seasons split between San Jose and Colorado he has remained a Duck.
Whenever he chooses to retire, Selanne will leave a substantial legacy. His most significant accomplishments involve recently surpassing Jari Kurri’s total to become the leading Finnish-born point scorer in NHL history, being one of only 16 players to have scored 600 goals and of course winning the Stanley Cup in 2007. On top of that, he is by far the top point scorer in Anaheim franchise history since its foundation in 1993.
During that successful playoff run in 2007, he was an integral offensive contributor throughout the rounds. Thousands gathered in the streets to greet him when he took the cup back to Finland. He has represented his country at the Olympics five times, winning bronze twice and silver once. Well celebrated in his home country he has been named Finnish ice hockey player of the year seven times along with the general hero status that comes with being a hockey legend.
You’d be hard pressed to find a member of the hockey community with genuine dislike for Selanne. His dignified conduct on and off the ice has garnered respect from players and fans alike from all around the league such is the measure of the man himself as well as his skills as a player.
Undoubtedly one of the best scorers of the past 20 years, it will be a sad day in the NHL when Teemu Selanne finally calls it quits. In my view he deserves to receive the honour of having his number eight jersey retired to the rafters and I hope the Anaheim organisation agree. He may still return next season but if he is to play his last game in just over a weeks time, “The Finnish Flash” deserves great credit for a superb career.
