When the Los Angeles Kings eliminated the Anaheim Ducks, it was believed that the NHL career of Teemu Selanne had come to an end. Selanne first entered the NHL with the original Winnipeg Jets in the 1992/93 season, and he took the league by storm by not only winning the Calder Trophy, but leading the NHL in Goals with 76.
“The Finnish Flash” never hit that total again, but he would again top the NHL in Goals twice more, the latter of which, he was awarded the first ever Rocket Richard Trophy which now annually is given the NHL player who leads the league in Goals. Selanne leaves the NHL with 1,457 Career Points, which is 15th overall, and number one amongst all Finnish born players.
In 2007, as a member of the Anaheim Ducks (then named the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim), Teemu Selanne would lead his team to the Stanley Cup, the only time he held ever hold the trophy as an NHL champion. Internationally, Selanne played for his native Finland in the Olympics six times, winning three Bronze and one Silver medal and was also a member of the Silver Medalist team from the 1996 World Cup. He has over 100 points Internationally in 95 Games.
It is unknown at this time whether Selanne will return to play professionally in his native Finalnd and return to the club team, Jokerit, which is where his pro career started over twenty-five years ago. Once he officially retires from the professional ranks, the three year countdown begins for the Hockey Hall of Fame, and Selanne should be considered a first ballot entry.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like thank Teemu Selanne for his brilliant career in the National Hockey League. See you in Toronto for your induction!
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