Teemu Selanne has done this song and dance for the past couple of years. The 43-year old toys with retirement idea while the media speculates will he or won't he. Meanwhile the Anaheim Ducks leave a roster spot open just in case and each time, the veteran has come back to play another year. This summer is no different as the veteran has remained coy on his future in the league. The Ducks and Selanne have met on several occasions with a decision expected soon.
Despite his age, Selanne is one of the best remaining free agents left on the market. He is reliable, only missing two games over the past two seasons. In 2013, he knocked in 12 goals while recording 24 points. Another 82-game season could appear daunting at Selanne's age, but he always appears up to the challenge.
Selanne told the O.C. Register that his decision will come by next week. Sources report that the hurdle holding the veteran back is the size of the role he will be given. Selanne saw his ice time decrease over the last season. His average time dropped more than two minutes to 15:42 per game. That caused his points per game to slow to 0.52 per game, the second-lowest of his career.
The Ducks have always remained patient with Selanne and this year is no different. General manager Bob Murray told NHL.com, "The only answer I need is he's 100-percent sure he wants to play. That's the only answer I need. I told him that the other day. I don't care when he tells me. We'll find a way. We've got lots of cap space, we have enough contracts."
CapGeek.com reports the Ducks have over $4.3 million in cap space to work with after an offseason that saw them sign Dustin Penner, Saku Koivu, Kyle Palmieri and Matt Beleskey. That amount will be more than enough to sign back Selanne.
The veteran has been spotted working out in Anaheim leading many to believe he is looking to return for another season. However, if Selanne is following Daniel Alfredsson's lead, the Ducks should not expect to see him again. The role will be everything though. Selanne is not looking to sit on the bench a majority of the year and he has proven to still be able to be productive when given the chance.
