Teemu Selanne is a legend in Finland.
The former NHL All-Star had a great career, but he will long be known as the rookie who scored 76 goals.
76 goals in his first year in the NHL, you have to do it.
Well, as many already know, Selanne arrived in the NHL at 22 years old.
Contrary to what some people think, It was 100% the Finn’s decision to stay in Finland following his draft.
The Winnipeg Jets 1.0 drafted him 10th overall in 1988 and wanted to have him play in the NHL at age 18.
Selanne politely declined, wanting to stay in Finland and refine his game.
Teemu Selanne waited FOUR years to join the NHL after being drafted. pic.twitter.com/3PWkxlT7uK
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) August 9, 2024
He mentioned this duringa great interview with Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney from the podcast Spittin’ Chiclets.
During this interview, several very interesting topics were discussed.
I highly suggest you listen to the episode with the Finnish legend. We learn a lot about the latter.
One thing I didn’t know about him is that he once won tennis against none other than Roger Federer.
Selanne was paired with former world No. 13 Jarkko Nieminen when the latter announced his retirement.
The two Finns played in Helsinki, Finland, for Nieminen’s final tour.
For the occasion, they faced Roger Federer and Peter Forsberg.
And as Selanne said so well: obviously, they won against Federer and Forsberg.
“There’s still one guy that you have never beat.”@TeemuSel8nne is undefeated against Roger Federer in tennis 🎾 pic.twitter.com/anVvreXgVC
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) August 10, 2024
“Now, every time I see Roger, I tell him, ‘Remember, there’s one more guy you’ve never beaten.’” – Teemu Selanne
I already didn’t know Selanne played tennis, but he really doesn’t seem bad, if we’re to believe this montage of their confrontation.
This interview taught me a lot about Selanne.
Did you know that Selanne has a great sense of humor and already has a trick on Bruce Boudreau?
And it was a prank first class.
Teemu Selanne pulled the ultimate prank on Bruce Boudreau tricking him into thinking he was Wayne Gretzky 😂 pic.twitter.com/8VJvakdJA2
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) August 8, 2024
He pretended to be Wayne Gretzky on the bus while texting Bruce Boudreau to arrange a meeting between the two.
He was very proud of his move, as can be seen in the excerpt above.
Not only does he like to joke around, but he also likes to make fun (in a good way) of his teammates.
When he was traded to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, he quickly developed chemistry with Paul Kariya.
Selanne and Kariya have been living together since the Finn arrived in Anaheim.
Kariya was a very superstitious player and Ryan Whitney asked Selanne what kind of superstitious things he could do.
He took the opportunity to talk about an (excellent) joke he played on his former teammate.
Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya were one of the greatest duos to play in the NHL. pic.twitter.com/QzsF6ii7w6
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) August 9, 2024
“I will always remember him putting on his wrist guards before he went to sleep. I asked him why he put them on. He told me that he had already hurt his wrist while sleeping, so he didn’t take any more chances. One day, I put on my son’s shin guards before he went to sleep and told him: I hurt my knee once and now I’m not taking any more chances.”
He is definitely a big joker and loves to laugh, as can be seen regularly during the episode.
However, there is one thing in his case that I wonder about: will his record of 76 goals in his rookie year ever be broken?
In my opinion, it’s one of the untouchable records in the sport, just like Wayne Gretzky’s 2,857 career points.
In a burst
– A nice visit.
Jonathan Huberdeau is in the house at #OBN24! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/q7u0KA3GnF
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 12, 2024
– The mask is amazing!
Joey Daccord doesn’t miss with his masks. 🔥
(🎨: @ShiftyPaint) pic.twitter.com/vQruef0TUP
— NHL (@NHL) August 11, 2024
– Well done.
Andrey Rublev puts on a masterclass in Montreal 👨🎨
Rublev will play for the #OBN24 championship after winning the Semi-Finals in straight sets! pic.twitter.com/5L1IZPK58C
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 12, 2024
– To read.
Closing Ceremony | Pride as a Legacy
— La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) August 11, 2024
