Veteran Anaheim Ducks Forward Teemu Selanne undergoes knee-surgery in Finland –NHL Update
Having played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), Teemu Selanne, Anaheim Ducks' right wing, has established himself as one of the most experienced and veteran players.
The 40-year-old underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in Finland on Wednesday.
The Helsinki, Finland, native has had knee related problems for a number of years, dating back to 2004 when he had reconstructive knee surgery.
Reportedly, torn ligaments were to be repaired which had begun to bother him during the previous 2010-2011 season.
“It acted up early in the season and then they got it under control”, Anaheim Ducks' general manager, Bob Murray, said.
Don Baizley, Selanne’s agent confirmed to a local Anaheim city newspaper that the player had gone through the surgery and is expected to fully recover before the new season begins, but it is still not confirmed whether he will play or not.
On another note, Selanne will be becoming an unrestricted free agent on Friday, July 1, but his agent and Selanne himself have confirmed numerous times that if he decides to play, it will be with Anaheim Ducks.
"I think Teemu wants to play and I think he’s trying to make sure that before he decides to play that everything’s going to be OK", Bob Murray said. "I think he’s taking all the steps to make sure everything is OK. He has every right to do that, by the way".
Selanne continued to play well for Anaheim during the previous season and as a matter of fact, he had one of his best seasons, despite his age.
The 10th overall pick of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by Winnipeg Jets, recorded 80 points, 31 goals and 49 assists, in 73 games, which was the eighth highest overall.
Despite speculations about what the procedure was for, the team acknowledges the fact that if conditions get worse, Selanne might call for an early retirement which will certainly affect Anaheim’s performance.
Scoring seven points, 6 goals and a assist, in six postseason games is certainly a well-rounded record which has given Ducks a boost whenever it needed one.
Only time will tell whether Selanne will return or choose to end a colourful 17-season career.
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