NHL Free Agents 2011: 5 Reasons Teemu Selanne Can Make Any Team Better

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Teemu Selanne is an 18-year NHL veteran. He has scored 637 goals and dished out 703 assists during that span. In short, Selanne is a Hall of Fame player.

Heading into 2011, Selanne still remains unsigned after his contract expired with the Anaheim Ducks.

Teams will need to decide whether they want to take a chance on the banged up, but still very talented, NHL veteran. Last season in 73 games, Selanne managed to rack up 31 goals and 49 assists.

These numbers leave the impression the Finnish great still has something left in the tank. However, with his future and possible retirement in question, Selanne may not get the opportunity to find out how much gas he has left.

No matter what happens, Selanne has more than made his mark on the NHL. The only question left is, can he do it for one more year?

Here are five reasons Selanne could still make any team better:

Experience

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Teemu Selanne has played in the NHL since 1992. In his first season as a member of the Winnipeg Jets, Selanne scored 76 goals.

Over his 18 NHL seasons, Selanne has played for four different teams. Granted, all of those teams have been in the Western Conference, but Selanne's NHL experience in undeniable.

Experience and leadership are often overlooked when debating the signing of an aging veteran. Selanne has the advantage of playing for several teams. He has also remained loyal to the Anaheim Ducks. Over the course of his career Selanne has played in Anaheim for two separate five-season stints.

Selanne could be an immediate asset to either a playoff-ready team looking for another leader or a young team looking for a skilled veteran.

His experience, combined with his talent, should make Selanne a perfect fit for any team in the NHL.

Unselfish Attitude

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Despite his lengthy NHL career, Selanne has managed to take a backseat to younger players as a member of the Anaheim Ducks.

Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan played on the Ducks' first line in 2010. Meanwhile, the 18-year veteran Selanne headlined the second line.

This is an example of unselfishness by a player who is more accomplished than any of the forwards ahead of him will ever be. Instead of relishing in that fact, Selanne has put his team's success and the success of his teammates ahead of his ego.

Veterans can cause a problem if they refuse to acknowledge their deterioration as their careers come to a close. Selanne will be a great asset to a young talented team if he can continue to check his ego at the door and just play hockey.

If not, Selanne could become a proud burden to whoever decides to take the risk.

Scoring Touch

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Over his long career, Selanne has averaged more than one point per game. He has scored 637 goals in more than 1,200 career games.

This sort of production is tough to deny, regardless of age.

Selanne's 637 goals puts him second among active players, behind only Jaromir Jagr. He is, and always has been, a very dangerous scorer. He uses his quick hands and exceptional skating ability to beat opposing defenses senseless. Selanne's ability to finish around the net is second to none in the NHL.

Any team, young or old, looking for a potential scoring threat should take a heavy look at Selanne. At the very least he can still be an extremely dangerous weapon on the power play and in a complementary role while playing full strength.

If Selanne's production had taken a major hit last season, that would be reason for concern. However, Selanne's 31 goals while injured should be a reason to hope for more of the same next season.

Exceptional Skating

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European players, if nothing else, tend to make impressions as exceptional skaters in the NHL. Teemu Selanne is no different.

Throughout his 18 seasons, Selanne has used his skating ability to go around defenders on a regular basis. This allows him to play several different styles on offense and to fill the stat sheet as well as anyone.

Perhaps Selanne has lost a step as the years have passed by. It would be irregular if he hasn't. However, Selanne can still skate next to and by many younger players in the primes of their careers.

Many teams could benefit by having an elite skater gliding around the offensive zone. Selanne falls into that category and for that reason alone, he could help any NHL team this coming season.

Hall of Fame Credentials

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For his career, Teem Selanne ranks in the NHL's top 30 in goals, points, power play goals and game-winning goals. This type of production only means one thing: Selanne is a surefire NHL Hall of Fame player.

Enjoying a successful career like Selanne has could allow him to benefit a team as his career comes to a close.

Young players would enjoy an opportunity to play next to one of the best scorers to ever take the ice and veterans would enjoy the chance to play next to one of their own. Selanne's experience as one of the best players in the NHL allows him the chance to mentor the next generation of talented skaters and possibly set a team off in the right direction for the future.

Some teams may not want to take a chance on asking Selanne to take a backseat on their team. However, whichever team decides to employ his services will get an immense talent on their squad.