Teemu Selanne, back in Anaheim for a second stint with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, says the new rules in the NHL will help the game of hockey a lot.

“Without the red line, I think the game is going to be faster,” says Selanne, who has appeared in 394 games with the Mighty Ducks during his career. “I think it is going to be real good for our team.”

Since entering the league in 1992-93, Selanne ranks second in the NHL in goals with 452 and fourth in points with 951. He led the Ducks in goals in three of his four full seasons with the club and averaged 37 goals per year over his 12 NHL seasons.

Teemu says he always thought about the possibility of returning to Anaheim someday to play for the Mighty Ducks.

“Especially now, when we have new owners and everything is exciting,” added Selanne, a nine time All-Star. “You never know in this business where you are going to be.  When I left Winnipeg and Anaheim the first time, I wasn’t expecting to be traded. You never know, but I had a feeling that I would come back.”

In the last week, Selanne says talks became more serious with the Ducks.

“I wanted to see what else was out there, but I knew that Anaheim was going to be my first option,” said Selanne. “I also wanted to know about the other moves on the team. But I knew exactly what style of hockey the Ducks were going to play. I know Coach Randy Carlyle very well.”

“With the speed our team has now and the new rules, that’s why I am so excited,” says Selanne. “My decision was pretty easy when I saw the whole package the Ducks offered. I wasn’t thinking about money at all. I just wanted to find a place where I know I could be happy and play good hockey with the good players.”

“All the answers pointed towards Anaheim,” added Selanne, who ranks among the Mighty Ducks all-time leaders in several categories, including goals, points and assists.

“I know my family is going to be very happy in Anaheim. Of course, that’s a big thing, too.  I’m just very happy that we found a way to get this whole deal done.”

Teemu, so are we.