Report: Selanne ready to return

It looks like the Anaheim Ducks will have Teemu Selanne back in the lineup this fall.

TSN reports that the 40-year-old forward told Finnish sports magazine Sports Journal on Friday that he intends to return for “at least another year” and a contract with the Ducks should be done over the next few days.

"I made the decision to continue my career," he told the magazine. "In fact, it has been clear for a long time. Negotiations are now ready to begin."

Selanne, who would be playing his 12th season with the Ducks and 18th in the NHL, added that his level of play and the direction the Ducks are going affected his decision. In 54 games last season, he scored 21 goals and 48 points.

"I informed (Anaheim) that if they re-build (the team), I'll then do something else," Selanne said. "With the guys that the team has acquired, I'm convinced that we can still succeed."

The Ducks re-signed fellow Finn Saku Koivu, Selanne's regular center, and added countryman Toni Lydman and another defenseman, Andy Sutton, in an effort to return to the playoffs after missing the postseason in 2009-10.

Selanne also told the Journal that he's made a pitch to the Ducks and former teammate Paul Kariya for a reunion in Anaheim. “I've talked to Paul and the Ducks," Selanne said. "Paul has been waiting for my decision and I hope things move forward," he said.

In 1,186 career games with the Ducks, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks, Selanne has 606 goals and 1,260 points.

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