Teemu Selanne and the KHL: His next ‘big adventure’ after Anaheim Ducks?

Teemu Selanne raised some eyebrows this week in an interview with Sport-Express in Russia, as he appeared to float the idea that his hockey career might continue past his final season with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks and into the KHL.

There’s a connection between the two, as Selanne’s old Finnish team Jokerit is joining the KHL for the 2014-15 season.

In the interview, it appears he’s talking about playing on, saying "In this business you can never say 'no.' . . . I don't know how big [the chance of going to play in the KHL] is, but going there would be a big adventure."

Would he prefer the KHL or to play in a Finnish league? Said Selanne: "I think it is time to take the next step in the career..."

Selanne continued:

"I think it will be a good experience. I am ready to go to the KHL to begin a new era. Every medal has two sides. I am sorry that the Finnish League lost such a derby [Jokerit-HIFK], but on the other hand hockey will win from Jokerit joining the KHL."

What does this all mean? That he’ll play in the KHL?

Not necessarily.

The quotes are vague, pointing to some “life after the NHL” but not necessarily one in which he plays for Jokerit. In fact, some theorize he’s merely talking about the team’s future in the KHL and not his own.

Puck Daddy’s Dmitry Chesnokov, who translated the quotes, stands by his prediction for Selanne, post-NHL: “For the record I think he is not going to the KHL. I think the chance of that happening is zero.”