Teemu Selanne: ‘By next week, I know what I’m going to do’
After meeting with Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray last week, Teemu Selanne is a step closer to making a decision about coming back for another season. On Tuesday, the 43-year old skated at the Ducks' practice facility and said decision day is just about here.
"By next week, I know what I’m going to do," he told Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register (sub. required).
Despite some attempts to see if other NHL teams might have made inquiries on Selanne's services for the 2013-14 season, his decision was always coming down to either the Ducks or retirement.
Important in Selanne's decision is his role with the team this coming season. Top six minutes and first line power play time are among his desires. Selanne recorded seven points on the power play last season and averaged over two minutes with the man advantage.
The Ducks have some youngsters who could battle for time on the power play unit, but with Bobby Ryan now in Ottawa, Selanne could earn a steady spot again if his body will allow him to keep up over an 82-game season again. He only netted one point in 30 the final 30 games for Anaheim's power play unit which finished fourth overall.
From the Register:
“My point is, if they’re better than I am, I am expecting and accepting a smaller role,” Selanne said. “But if I’m better, I need to play more. I need to play top minutes. That’s what I’m looking for.
“That’s fair for everybody. To be honest, I’ve been playing a big role. I don’t know if I’m ready to play 10-12 minutes a game. And that’s what I want to make sure. If I play well, I get what I deserve.
“Sometimes it’s not like that. So I want to make sure I’m treated the way I deserve.”
Murray is on record saying that there's a spot in the lineup for Selanne should he decide to come back. It's really up to head coach Bruce Boudreau at this point to make it clear to the Finnish Flash just how much he plans to use him for the coming season.
Reading Selanne's quotes to Stephens, it sounds like he's made up his mind to come back, it's all up to Boudreau now. And if you're Bruce Boudreau, would you want to be the guy who was the reason Teemu freekin' Selanne decided to retire?
Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy
