As some teams see their season's come to a close in devastating fashion, some veteran might be seeing their careers end the same way. Several veterans will be forced to take a look at their career and consider whether it is time to hang up the skates for good. Teemu Selanne has put together one of the most well-respected careers in the league. After the Anaheim Ducks were eliminated with a Game 7 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, retirement could likely be in his future.
Despite finishing second in the Western Conference this season, the Ducks' season ended in misery after the 3-2 loss. Selanne put together a regular season of 12 goals and 12 assists in 46 regular-season games. The Ducks then went 1-2-3 in the playoff series. The 42-year old veteran told reporters he did not have any answers for the post season disappointment and is now forced to look at his future.
"This isn't the time where I really want to think about it too much. Obviously, it's a big decision again...I just take some time off and clear my heard and think about what's the next step. I don't really have to play, but this has been so much fun. I just have to decide when is the time," Selanne said.
Selanne has been taking a year-by-year approach to his career and has been rumored to retire for at least five years now and yet, he continues to return. His current one-year contract is up on July 1 and after a season that saw him fail to be the offensive powerhouse he once was, walking away from the game might be the answer.
"He's been around here for a long time. He's been here since Day One for me. He's a big inspiration, and hopefully this isn't his last time," forward Corey Perry said.
Selanne primarily acts as a power-play specialist, seeing about 13 minutes per game. In his overall career, he has collected 675 goals, 755 assists and 1,430 points. He spent most of his career in Anaheim, while seeing time with the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks. He helped lead the Ducks to a 2007 Stanley Cup Championship. If he does in fact retire, he will likely find a home in the Hall of Fame in Toronto.
