Teemu Selanne has played in 1,259 games in his NHL career. He has 637 goals and 703 assists for 1,340 points. Not so long ago, those totals would have been deemed impossible.
It was 2004 and he was coming off a dismal season in Colorado. The NHL locked out, and the former Calder winner underwent knee surgery. He had signed with a team in the Finnish Elite League, but was unable to play because of his rehabilitation.
Given his mile high struggles and the surgically repaired knee, most thought it was the end for Selanne. But when hockey came back, so did he, signing a one-year, $1 million deal to return to Anaheim. The contract was supposed to be for the Finn's farewell campaign. But the So-Cal sunshine gave new life to his career and he responded with 40 goals and 90 points.
Six years, a Stanley Cup ring, and countless records later, the future Hall of Famer is facing familiar questions. "Is it the end? How is his health? Can he still be productive?"
Given that he had another operation on his knee following 2010-2011, those questions seem justified, just as they were in 2005. His doubters have been proved wrong before, though.
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Stephen Nelson
NHL Free Agents 2011: The Importance of Teemu Selanne’s Return to Anaheim
July 22nd, 2011 by Stephen Nelson Leave a reply »
Advertisement