Teemu Selanne has informed general manager Bob Murray that he will play for the Ducks in 2009-10.
“This is obviously great news for the Ducks,” Murray said in a press release from Montreal, where the NHL draft is concluding. “Teemu is still playing at a high level, brings passion and energy to the locker room and is a loyal member of this franchise. It’s fantastic he’s chosen to continue his playing career.”
Selanne was under contract through 2010 but said at the end of last season he would consider retiring depending on the direction the team was taking. On Friday, defenseman Scott Niedermayer announced he would rejoin the Ducks next season before Murray traded Chris Pronger to the Philadelphia Flyers for Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa and draft picks.
Selanne, 38, is Anaheim’s all-time leader in goals (352), points (743), plus/minus (+114), power play goals (133), power play points (304), game-winning goals (59) and overtime goals (6). Since re-joining Anaheim after the lockout, Selanne has scored 127 goals over the last four seasons.
“I’m very happy to play another season in Anaheim,” said Selanne. “The way we played toward the end of last season, I’m excited about our chances. We definitely have what it takes to win.”