"Teemu Selanne said questions about whether he will retire are "getting a little old," but the 40-year-old right wing showed no signs of aging during a splendid, 80-point season and team-leading seven-point playoff performance.
Asking about his future has become as much a ritual as players growing playoff beards. Because the Ducks went only six games without shaving before bowing to the defensively smothering Nashville Predators, the questions resurfaced Tuesday as players cleaned out their lockers at Honda Center.
Selanne said he won't play anywhere else — "This is my place for sure," he said — but acknowledged age makes his postgame recovery and off-season preparation more difficult. He's weighing that against the rewards of returning to a team that saw great growth from youngsters Cam Fowler and Brandon McMillan but could have major headaches if goaltender Jonas Hiller's vertigo doesn't subside.
Selanne sounded like he's not done but probably won't announce a decision until midsummer.
"I got to be honest. It was just so much fun this year and that's only what I really ask," he said. "It's not about goals or points or anything like that. Before the season I hope I can every day enjoy this. That's my goal, and this year was exactly what I expected in a fun way. Of course I felt we had more to give, but sometimes it's not enough."
Teammates clearly hope he returns.
"The type of player, the type of person he is comes around not very often," said his usual left wing, Jason Blake. "What he did this year at his age and just the happiness of a person like that, the passion he brings, I tell people that if you could pattern yourself after one guy in the NHL on and off the ice …that's Teemu Selanne."
Selanne will be an unrestricted free agent July 1, as will forwards Jarkko Ruutu, Todd Marchant and Brad Winchester, defenseman Andreas Lilja and goaltender Ray Emery. Forwards Dan Sexton and Kyle Chipchura will be restricted free agents.
Goaltending is the main issue facing General Manager Bob Murray. Hiller, almost incapacitated after the All-Star break, said Tuesday he's not 100% and plans to see more doctors. Emery, who on Tuesday was named one of three finalists for the Masterton Trophy for perseverance and dedication to hockey, said he'd love to return but isn't sure how the situation will play out with Hiller and Dan Ellis.
"I've got to take care of myself this summer and see what happens," Emery said.
Defenseman Toni Lydman and winger Matt Beleskey are scheduled for shoulder surgery next Monday. To stay in the lineup defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky required three shots in his painful right shoulder and said he can't hold his son. He wants to represent his homeland, Slovakia, when it plays host to the World Championships but will take a week before deciding. Fowler will play for Team USA and Luca Sbisa for Switzerland."
