Teemu Brought Skill, Passion, Enjoyment To The NHL

Teemu Selanne is set to become just the second Finnish player in hockey history to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Jari Kurri, of course, was the first, inducted in 2001.

Selanne grew up idolizing Kurri, who was the undisputed greatest player in Finnish hockey history. Now he will join his hero, though some say he surpassed him in the minds of many as the greatest Finn.

Selanne finished his career with 684 goals and 1,457 points in 23 NHL seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche. He retired after the 2013-14 season as the all-time Finland-born leading NHL scorer, 83 goals and 59 points more than Kurri.

The personable Selanne won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007, won four Olympic hockey medals with Finland (silver in 2006, bronze in 1998, 2010 and 2014) and ranks as the all-time leading scorer in Olympic hockey with 43 points (24 goals, 19 assists) in 37 games.

The ever lasting image of Teemu will be his ever-present smile. He is a man who truly seemed to enjoy every moment in the NHL, every moment in life.