Teemu Selanne is one of the last big-named free agents still left hanging around. The veteran has remained unsigned, leaving many to wonder if he is contemplating his retirement from the league. Multiple teams have shown interest in Selanne but he has yet to commit to a team or a return for that matter. While the NHL waits, the Anaheim Ducks are keeping a roster spot open for him.
Over the past few years, the Ducks always make sure a roster spot is open for Selanne. The 43-year-old has remained non-committal about his future in hockey, but always seems to return for another year. This offseason is no different. If Selanne wants to play again, it will be in Anaheim and nowhere else.
Ducks general manager Bob Murray is in no hurry to hear from Selanne. He has made sure the veteran knows he is welcomed back any time if that is what he wants to do.
"I want Teemu to play if he's 100-percent sure he wants to play," Murray told NHL.com. "If he's not sure, if he's not feeling -- when you get to that age, he's got to want it bad. If he's sure he wants it bad, then we'll make it work, whatever I have to do. 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."
Selanne returned for another year last season after coming off a strong 2011. However, this year is not the same. He had just 12 goals and 12 assists in 46 games. He saw his minutes on the ice reduced greatly. Pairing that with his declining production and Selanne might be considering calling it a career.
While speaking to the media, Selanne has remained coy on what he is thinking about doing. The veteran is continuing to work out in the weight room and on the ice, but insists that he would be doing that no matter if he was returning or not. Murray is no stranger to playing the waiting game with the veteran. After Selanne helped lead the team to a Stanley Cup championship, he has been toying with retirement every summer.
Selanne loves Anaheim and said he and his family feel very comfortable in the area. There is zero-chance the veteran would explore the idea of playing elsewhere. Until a decision comes, Muray has no issue waiting. Selanne remains one of the most exciting players in the league, so hopes are high he decides to come back.
