Teemu Selanne: 'If I had to decide a week ago, I'd say my NHL career is definitely over'
Teemu Selanne's NHL career is over ... for now.
The 44-year-old veteran made the revelation at a news conference in Finland announcing a new hockey academy to be built in partnership with KHL club Jokerit over the next two-to-three years.
"If I had to decide about my career a week ago, I'd say my career is over. NHL career is definitely over."
— Juha Hiitelä (@jhiitela) August 11, 2014
"But I don't need to say my career is over. There's no need to say anything else. I've learned that never say never."
— Juha Hiitelä (@jhiitela) August 11, 2014
Earlier in the news conference, he said the following:
"If I quit in two years, I can do something else than play." -Teemu
— Juha Hiitelä (@jhiitela) August 11, 2014
Selanne said he still has time to decide on his future, adding that although he's been tempted to sign with Jokerit, he doesn't have to make the decision immediately.
Based on these remarks, it would appear he is leaning toward retiring from the NHL, but remaining open to the possibility of continuing to play either there or elsewhere.
But Selanne also made another revelation, this time about his level of motivation.
"Biggest question is if I want to play. Right now, I'm not ready to play" -Selanne. #SelannePresser #NHLDucks #KHL
— Janne Virtanen (@Amateur_hockey) August 11, 2014
Last week, Jokerit reportedly offered him $10 million per season to play for them, or $5 million for home games only.