Teemu Selänne, nicknamed “The Finnish Flash,” is a Finnish former professional ice hockey winger. He played 21 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Colorado Avalanche.
Selänne is the highest-scoring Finnish-born player in NHL history and holds numerous records, including the most goals and points by a rookie in a single season.
You can follow Teemu Selanne’s biography, personal details, career overview, spouse, net worth, salary, endorsements, stats, awards and achievements, and more here.
Teemu Selanne’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Teemu Ilmari Selänne |
| Nickname | The Finnish Flash |
| Birth Date | July 3, 1970 |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 196 lb (89 kg) |
| Birthplace | Helsinki, Finland |
| Nationality | Finnish |
| Turned Professional | 1989 |
| Current Net Worth | $40 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Spouse | Sirpa Selänne |
| Instagram Profile | @sel8nneteemu |
Teemu Ilmari Selänne was born on July 3, 1970, in Helsinki, Finland. He grew up with his twin brother, Paavo, and another brother, Panu. His parents, Liisa Viitanen and Ilmari Selänne, divorced in the late 1980s.
The family lived in Rauma for a time before settling in Espoo when Teemu was around 10 years old. As a youth, Selänne played 3 sports: hockey, bandy, and association football. He eventually focused on hockey, joining the junior squad of Jokerit in Helsinki.
Spouse
Sirpa Selänne has been married to Teemu since 1995. They met in Finland, where Sirpa worked as a model. The couple has two children together, Eetu and Veera.
Sirpa has been a constant source of support throughout Teemu’s career, attending countless hockey games and standing by him through thick and thin.
Professional Career
Teemu Selänne began his professional career in Finland with Jokerit in 1989, playing there until 1992.
Selänne was drafted 10th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 1988 but didn’t join the NHL until 1992. His rookie season with the Jets was historic, as he set NHL rookie records with 76 goals and 132 points, earning him the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Selänne played with the Jets until 1996 when he was traded to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. During his time with the Ducks, Selänne won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 1999 as the league’s top goal scorer.
His career also included stints with the San Jose Sharks (2001-2003) and the Colorado Avalanche (2003-2004). After the 2004-05 NHL lockout, Selänne returned to Anaheim.
The pinnacle of his club career came in the 2006-07 season when he helped the Ducks win their first Stanley Cup. He retired in 2014 as the highest-scoring Finnish-born player in NHL history, ranking 11th all-time in goals and 15th in points.
International Career
Teemu Selänne made his debut for the Finnish national team at the 1989 World Junior Championships and went on to become one of the most decorated players in Finnish hockey history.
Selänne participated in six Olympic Games (1992, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014), a record for men’s ice hockey players. He led Finland to three bronze medals (1998, 2010, 2014) and one silver medal (2006) in the Olympics.
His performance in the 2014 Sochi Olympics was particularly noteworthy, as he was named the tournament MVP, leading Finland to a bronze medal in his final international appearance.
Selänne also competed in five World Championships, winning a silver medal in 1999 and a bronze in 2008. He represented Finland in three Canada Cup/World Cup of Hockey tournaments, securing a silver medal in 2004.
Teemu Selanne’s Net Worth Details
Teemu Selanne’s net worth is estimated to be $40 million as of 2025. Selanne’s total career earnings in the NHL amounted to $73,602,018.
Salary
| Season | Annual Salary (USD) |
| 1992-93 | $1,571,300 |
| 1993-94 | $310,000 |
| 1994-95 | $2,000,000 |
| 1995-96 | $2,750,000 |
| 1996-97 | $2,850,000 |
| 1997-98 | $3,400,000 |
| 1998-99 | $4,750,000 |
| 1999-00 | $5,450,000 |
| 2000-01 | $8,000,000 |
| 2001-02 | $9,500,000 |
| 2002-03 | $6,500,000 |
| 2003-04 | $5,800,000 |
| 2005-06 | $1,000,000 |
| 2006-07 | $3,750,000 |
| 2008-09 | $3,250,000 |
| 2009-10 | $2,000,000 |
| 2010-11 | $3,250,000 |
| 2011-12 | $4,000,000 |
| 2012-13 | $2,634,146 |
| 2013-14 | $2,000,000 |
Endorsements
Selänne has been associated with various brands throughout his career. Recently, he endorsed DEFA Power, a charging station for electric vehicles.
Career Stats
| Category | Regular Season | Playoffs |
| Games Played | 1,451 | 130 |
| Goals | 684 | 44 |
| Assists | 773 | 44 |
| Points | 1,457 | 88 |
Awards and Achievements
- Calder Memorial Trophy (1993)
- Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (1999)
- Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (2006)
- 10-time NHL All-Star
- Stanley Cup champion (2007)
- Olympic silver medal (2006)
- 3 Olympic bronze medals (1998, 2010, 2014)
- Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (2017)
FAQs
1. What are Teemu Selanne’s most notable NHL achievements?
Teemu Selanne’s career highlights include winning the 2007 Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks, the 1993 Calder Memorial Trophy (NHL Rookie of the Year), and the 1999 Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (NHL goal-scoring leader). He retired as the NHL’s 11th all-time leading goal scorer (684 goals) and 15th in points (1,457). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017.
2. Why is Teemu Selanne nicknamed “The Finnish Flash”?
The nickname “The Finnish Flash” stemmed from his explosive speed and scoring prowess, particularly during his rookie NHL season (1992–93) when he set records with 76 goals and 132 points. His dynamic playstyle and Finnish heritage made the moniker iconic.
3. Which teams did Teemu Selanne play for during his NHL career?
Selanne played for four NHL teams: the Winnipeg Jets (1992–1996), Anaheim Ducks (1996–2001, 2005–2014), San Jose Sharks (2001–2003), and Colorado Avalanche (2003–2004). He spent the majority of his career with the Ducks, where he became a franchise legend.
4. What records did Teemu Selanne set during his rookie season?
In his 1992–93 rookie season with the Winnipeg Jets, Selanne set NHL records for most goals (76) and points (132) by a rookie—both still unmatched. This earned him the Calder Trophy and a permanent place in NHL history.
5. When did Teemu Selanne win the Stanley Cup, and with which team?
Selanne won his only Stanley Cup in 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks, defeating the Ottawa Senators in five games. This victory cemented his legacy as one of the Ducks’ most beloved players.
6. What international accolades did Teemu Selanne earn with Team Finland?
Selanne won three Olympic medals with Finland: bronze in 1998 (Nagano) and 2010 (Vancouver), and silver in 2006 (Turin). He also served as team captain and remains one of Finland’s most decorated hockey ambassadors.
7. How has Teemu Selanne contributed to hockey post-retirement?
Post-retirement, Selanne co-owns Selanne Steak Tavern in California, launched a clothing line (Sel8nne Collection), and supports youth hockey through the Selanne Academy. He also advocates for children’s charities, including Finland’s University Children’s Hospitals.
8. What is Teemu Selanne’s legacy in the NHL?
Selanne is celebrated as the highest-scoring Finnish player in NHL history and a trailblazer for European athletes. His jersey number (8) was retired by the Anaheim Ducks in 2015, and he was named among the NHL’s “100 Greatest Players” in 2017.
9. Did Teemu Selanne have any notable linemates or partnerships during his career?
Selanne formed a legendary duo with Paul Kariya on the Anaheim Ducks in the late 1990s. Their chemistry earned them the nickname “The Dynamic Duo,” combining for 100+ point seasons and leading the Ducks to their first playoff success.
10. When was Teemu Selanne inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Selanne was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017, becoming the second Finnish player (after Jari Kurri) to receive the honor. His induction speech highlighted his gratitude to fans and teammates across his 21-season career.
