With Selanne now a month late on letting Brian Burke know his decision, Ducks fans must begin to wonder if the Finnish Flash is finished in Southern California.
It's possible that Teemu has been working out to get back into hockey shape and lost his cell phone, or is enjoying his free time in Finland while Brian Burke is busy fretting over Kevin Lowe, but that's probably not the case.
Burke and the Ducks have given Teemu the time needed for such a decision and have received nothing—not even a “screw you guys, I’m going home.”
Instead, the most beloved hockey player in Anaheim hockey history is choosing, much like Brett Favre, to taint his legacy.
But there is one major difference. Brett at least made up his mind, even though he later changed it. Teemu can’t seem to do either one.
It’s gotten to the point where he may not know if he is coming or going. Do I dare say senility may be setting in for the Ducks leader? It's possible an onslaught of dementia has the 38-year-old forgetting to pick up the phone to give a "shout-out" to Brian Burke.
If Teemu is going to return, he's already a month past Burke's imposed dealine. Before people jump me for pointing out he is a free agent—move on, your nagging isn’t needed. I’m the source on Bleacher Report who definitely knows that.
My point is this "deadline" was less of a deadline and more about manners. The cap issue lingers in Anaheim because Burke doesn't know what to do. Everything rides on Teemu now.
Furthermore, if Teemu chooses to hang up the skates, the Ducks would be hung out to dry. Their only option would be to trade for a replacement. Luckily, they do have the goods on the table to acquire someone worth the trade, but the loss of Selanne would hurt.
Personally, I love No. 8. He skates effortlessly, and scores goals at the age of 38 that I can’t score at 21.
The man has plenty of miles left on the tires and he is still regarded as one of the top scorers in the NHL, regardless of his age.
Even with all this considered, I would ask Brian Burke and the Ducks to move on: make the trades needed, acquire someone talented, and get under the cap and prepare for training camp.
The insanity of waiting for Teemu has drug on long enough.
When school ended in spring, talk of Teemu was in full swing. Now, as I prepare to return, he is still the talk of Ducks hockey.
Maybe the Ducks can save face, and make a trade for Andy McDonald. That would ease the pain of losing Teemu and replace it with a feeling of joy to have a real franchise player,* who lived for the Ducks, back.
Lastly, Burke, put the nails in Teemu’s coffin.
It is quite possible the Ducks could be terrible this year without him, but I would rather lose with players devoted to the team than win with a player who can’t make up his mind.
Enough is enough, as is my bantering on this subject.
*Franchise player: someone selfless who sticks by team through thick and thin. Fans know this player would choose the team over selfish ideas any day. See Andy McDonald.
For definition of selfish see Teemu Selanne.
For definition of selfish franchise player see Brett Favre.
Image: Courtesy of The Hockey News
Ken Armer is a Senior Ducks Writer and a Community Leader for the NHL and Anaheim Ducks. You can contact him on his profile or via e-mail at karmer@bleacherreport.com
7 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Tigershark 11 months ago
Ive been to Helsinki in the summer. Its light 20 hours per day and the Finns hit it pretty hard in July. Teemu probably doesnt realize he was supposed to make a decision. He'll sober up in late August, like the rest of the country, and get back to work. Its a Finnish thing.
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Ken Armer 11 months ago
So i guess my image is fitting, according to what you say.
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Tigershark 11 months ago
Definately. And I agree with you on Macdonald. That was the one biggest mistake Burke made, IMO, bigger that losing Penner or signing Bertuzzi.
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Andrew Mason 11 months ago
there is no way teemu returns to Anaheim. Burke wanted to know pretty much right after the season if he is going to return. Teemu did not do that and has not spoken to Burke at all. I think though he will sign with a team once Sundin makes one as I note in my article "How Sundin's Decision Affects Teemu's Plus Jay B. and Sakic"
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Alan Bass 11 months ago
yup he is...there's no way he's coming back now
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Joe MacDonald 11 months ago
How much indecision can a team take. At least Brett Favre only changed his mind once. I don't think Burke can let Selanne do this on an annual basis. Time to cut ties and let Teemu either retire or sign somewhere else. Good article as usual, Ken.
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Ken Armer 11 months ago
My torment on the issues is basically this: If Teemu returns the Ducks are good for a year, but if the Ducks sever ties, and try to get someone they could be decent now, and back to form within three years. I think he will be back personally, i just dunno if I want him back. Thanks for the comment Joe.
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