The 41-year-old veteran right winger will return for a 19th season, agreeing to a one-year, $4 million deal.
Teemu had arthroscopic surgery in June on his left knee, but allowed additional time for it to heal before deciding to go for an 19th season on the job.
And why not? The veteran right winger is 27th in NHL history in scoring, accumulating 1,340 points and 14th in goals with 637 of them. With 80 points last season in the eighth-leading scorer that season, the Finnish Flash is long from slowing down his game.
"As he showed again last season, Teemu still has the drive, determination, and skill to play at an elite level," Ducks general manager Bob Murray said to ESPN.com and the Associated Press. "Most importantly for us, his passion comes from not just playing, but playing for the Ducks."
"You guys knew I can't stop playing yet, so I'm back, at least one more season," Selanne told fans in a video message posted on the Ducks' website. "We start the season in Helsinki, so see you there."
And what better way to start off a great season than going overseas, back home to Helsinki, and playing in front of fans that love you best? I think Teemu knows exactly what he's doing, and Ducks fans like myself can not be prouder. He's shown exactly what kind of damage he can do on the ice, and having him on the Ducks for another season just makes him that much more valuable.
He is the scoring engine and he continues to play at a very exciting level. I think teams around the league will be happy to see Teemu back on the ice, because it means that a challenge is waiting for them this season.
I expect the Ducks to be very competitive and reach a playoff spot because of Teemu. His dedication, hard work, and his commitment to playing hockey shows us that Teemu, above all others, is ready and willing to do what the Ducks are shown to do: be challengers for the Stanley Cup and show other teams what they're made for. Certainly, this season, it will be another great one. The NHL will be another exciting season to watch, thanks in part to this guy.
Information from ESPNLA.com's Dan Arritt (http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nhl/story/_/id/6974073/teemu-selanne-returning-anaheim-ducks-19th-nhl-season) and the Associated Press (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HKN_DUCKS_SELANNE?SITE=CTNHR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) was used in this opinion article.
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