Report: KHL club offers Teemu Selanne $10M

Teemu Selanne may have retired from the NHL, but he might not be done with hockey. It appears KHL club Jokerit is prepared to make a return to hockey plenty profitable for the future Hall of Fame winger, and they’re willing to be as flexible with Selanne as any hockey team has been with anyone.

More from NHL

• NHL Rumors: Legendary Patrice Bergeron retires, which 3 players could be next to hang up their skates?
• NHL Rumors: Latest on Hart, Hellebuyck, Gibson trade possibilities
• NHL Rumors: 5 forwards most likely to sign early extensions this summer
• NHL Rumors: Where things stand with Erik Karlsson, Penguins and Hurricanes
• NHL Rumors: Penguins nearly traded for Erik Karlsson at deadline

Finnish sources indicate that Jokerit made a big offer to Teemu Selanne, then cut it in half if Selanne only wants to play half the season.

It appears that if Selanne demanded to coach the team while playing goaltender, Jokerit would cave. The Finnish club sees a chance to cash in on the success of their best player ever and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get him.

Ten million dollars may seem like a lot of money for one hockey player. After all, zero NHL players will make that much in 2014-15 (though Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews will each exceed that the following season). However, you have to remember that the KHL is kind of like the Wild West of professional sports.

Ilya Kovalchuk makes about $15 million/year in the KHL, so giving Selanne two-thirds of that amount for a less rigorous schedule doesn’t seem like too bad of a deal, especially when you know Jokerit will make all their money back on Teemu just because every home game will sell out. There’s no word yet on Selanne’s response, but the club maintains he can take all the time he needs to make the decision and the offer will stand.