Anaheim Ducks right wing Teemu Selanne has announced next season will be his last in the NHL. (Chris Carlson/Associated Press)Anaheim Ducks forward Teemu Selanne says his next NHL season will be his last.
The 10-time all-star and 1992/93 rookie of the year celebrated his 39th birthday on Friday. Selanne told the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat that a man his age doesn't have a place in the new NHL.
"It is a forum for young boys," Selanne said. "But the right diet, rest and muscle care help to prolong a career. Personally I am injury-free, I feel young at mind and pursue a lot of activities."
Selanne decided to play for one more season after mulling retirement.
"The next season is without doubt my last. This time my decision will be kept," he said.
The possibility of playing with longtime Montreal captain Saku Koivu may have also played a part in Selanne's decision to lace up his skates for another campaign. The Anaheim Ducks could be a possible new team for Koivu, who is an unrestricted free agent.
"The chemistry between us two has worked well on the national team. It would be interesting to see how our interacting would improve if we should play together on a daily basis," Selanne said.
Dubbed the "Finnish Flash," Selanne entered the NHL 1992 at age 22 with the Winnipeg Jets. He wasted no time in making a splash; going on to score 76 goals in that season and establishing a rookie record.
Selanne has an accumulated 614 career goals while playing for Winnipeg, San Jose, Colorado and Anaheim.
With files from the Associated Press
