The man nicknamed the Finnish Flash, Teemu Selanne, has re-joined the Anaheim Ducks on a one-year contract worth a reported $3.25million. The 40-year-old forward’s scoring exploits have made him one of the most feared players in the game and despite his advanced age and recent niggling injuries, his creativity and speed of thought on the ice helped him to 27 goals and 48 points in 54 games last season.

Thanks to his success last season, the Finland native became the 3rd European born player in NHL history to score 600 career goals and overtook hall-of-famer and five-time NHL champion Jan Kurri for most career goals by a Finish national in the NHL.  Ducks fans will be delighted that their team have re-signed the superstar who helped them to their first ever Stanley Cup in 2007.

With the Ducks managing to tie down Selanne for what could be one final season, there is speculation that Selanne’s friend and former Ducks teammate Paul Kariya could be making a return to the team he left in controversial circumstances back in the 2003. Fans are still angry with Kariya for leaving the team for Colorado in 2003, and have cheered him loudly each time he’s returned to the Honda Stadium. Most Ducks supporters though will be delighted by the potential of a rekindling of the fiery partnership between Kariya and Selanne for the 2010/2011.

From 1996 to 2000, Kariya and Selanne formed one of the best offensive partnerships in NHL history and the chance to play alongside his good friend could be too good an opportunity for Kariya to pass up, despite his complicated relationship with the Ducks fans. Fans may have to forgive Kariya and rethink back to that period in the late 90’s when Kariya’s speed, stick-handling ability and shooting accuracy made him one of the deadliest weapons on the ice. His speed may have long gone, but his ability with the puck could make the difference in tight games next season, especially with the Finnish Flash by his side. With Bobby Ryan, Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf acting as the first line, the Ducks’ offensive group looks well stocked for the new season.

While their offensive line is looking great, the Ducks’ defensive group is short on proven ability. With Scott Niedermayer retiring, the 2007 NHL championship-winning defensive line-up has now completely disappeared and there are few signs that their younger prospects have the talent to become the next Chris Pronger or Francios Beauchemin.

One pre-season acquisition who could make an impact though is Andy Sutton. The former Ottawa Senators defensemen led the league in blocked shots last year and will surely be needed to continue that form in 2010/2011 as he tries to help his younger team-mates around the blue line to ensure that goaltender Jonas Hiller gets maximum protection.

With the foundation of the team in place and the possibility of a few more acquisitions to come, their season will depend on Head Coach Randy Carlyle’s ability to blend youth with experience as their new-look line-up attempts to get the Ducks soaring back to their 2007 best after three flightless years in the NHL wilderness.

Sportsbooks have the Anaheim Ducks listed at +3000 odds to win the Stanley Cup in the 2010/2011 NHL season, which puts them about middle of the pack.  For every $10 bet on the Ducks to win the Stanley Cup you would win $300 – not a bad bet considering the talent the Ducks have up front.  Bet it now at Sportsbook.com if you’re interested!

Tags: anaheim ducks, nhl offseason, nhl signings, stanley cup odds, teemu selanne