Selanne to contemplate return?

[mister_mcgoo]

This is what he had to say on the matter:

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/ey...ment-or-return

I get the feeling he'll come back for one more year if he can, I know he'll want to play in the Olympics and to do that he'll have to be in game shape.

what do you guys think? will he play or retire?

[DerekReese]

Yes for me.

[ericdaoust]

My concern with Selanne is his decline in points over the last three years from 80 to 66 to 24 (43 over 82 games not factoring in potential injuries). If he can play at a 20-goal, 40-point level he still belongs in the league. If not then he'll probably be stuck with a lesser role with fewer minutes. The numbers could be ugly IMO. I'd love to see him succeed though.

[PrairieDog]

He's obviously really slowing down, after his great start to this season he really hit a wall. Like ericd said, if he can play at a 20G clip then he has a place in the league. I'd really hate to see him leave but would also hate to see him do what Brett Hull did a few years ago - start the season and then realise a little bit in that he just can't play any more.

I do think he has another season in him but I also wouldn't be surprised if he hangs them up. It will be very sad for me when he does, but father time and all that...truly one of the all-time great players and great guys to ever play the game, class and skill all the way.

[ericdaoust]

He's obviously really slowing down, after his great start to this season he really hit a wall. Like ericd said, if he can play at a 20G clip then he has a place in the league. I'd really hate to see him leave but would also hate to see him do what Brett Hull did a few years ago - start the season and then realise a little bit in that he just can't play any more.

I do think he has another season in him but I also wouldn't be surprised if he hangs them up. It will be very sad for me when he does, but father time and all that...truly one of the all-time great players and great guys to ever play the game, class and skill all the way.

Actually my view on him staying past his expiry date is a purely selfish one. I just hate seeing oldies enter the "sad" state where they're just not meant for the NHL anymore. But if someone is willing to pay then good for the player.

[Axeman33]

I own him in one of my leagues so if he does come back, I hope he signs a real cheap contract

[MXHockey]

If he makes a commitment to offseason fitness, he'll be fine.

If he's not motivated, he'll retire.


He's taking the right approach, waiting 4-6 weeks, and then making a decision based on how he feels mentally/physically. The shortened season likely took a toll, and he'll get more rest in a full season with more off days.

If I was Selanne, I would re-sign in the East where his travel schedule would be way easier, but doubt he would consider anywhere other than playing in Anaheim. Another question, do the Ducks want him back, or do they want to start giving their younger players a larger role, which would eat into Selanne's minutes/role.


Cheers.

[littleranger]

9 points in his last 35 games this season. Au revoir Teemu, it's been great.

[blayze]

He needs to retire while he's still got some measure of respect and credibility.

Hate to see legends outliving their stay and tarnishing their legacy.

[hockeymanG23]

I think his age is finally catching up despite his dedication to fitness. Like it was mentioned with regard to Brett Hull, it would be unfortunate to see him come back and be two steps behind but he already seems to be trending in that direction.

It's been a good run Teemu, time to relax.

[mister_mcgoo]

If he makes a commitment to offseason fitness, he'll be fine.

If he's not motivated, he'll retire.


He's taking the right approach, waiting 4-6 weeks, and then making a decision based on how he feels mentally/physically. The shortened season likely took a toll, and he'll get more rest in a full season with more off days.

If I was Selanne, I would re-sign in the East where his travel schedule would be way easier, but doubt he would consider anywhere other than playing in Anaheim. Another question, do the Ducks want him back, or do they want to start giving their younger players a larger role, which would eat into Selanne's minutes/role.


Cheers.

that's sorta how I feel about it, I've yet to hear a single player in the league say that they weren't more tired than usual this season due to the compressed schedule so it's hardly surprising that it hit Teemu like it did. The biggest reason he's been able to play so well this late into his career is conditioning and hard work, as long as he's up for that he'll still be a force to be reckoned with

[bondon]

On one hand, it kind of sucks to have your last season be a shortened season due to lockout.

On the other hand, there's something to be said about going out on your own terms like Lidstrom.

Whatever he decides, I'm sure there will be some who are happy/upset. I'd probably rather see him hang em up while he still has something as opposed to see him slowly fizzle.

[STONE.]

Come back Teemu!
(so I can trade you while you have some degree of value)

[Ross The Boss Palmer]

Hmm get paid millions of dollars to live in Cali? Yes, please.

[MXHockey]

Hmm get paid millions of dollars to live in Cali? Yes, please.

I guess that's the logical way of looking at it...........