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NHL Trade Deadline: Ranking every team’s worst ever trade

By David Rouben

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 3: Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings in action against the Edmonton Oilers at the Arco Arena on April 3, 1994 in Sacramento, California. The Kings defeated the Oilers 6-1. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 3: Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings in action against the Edmonton Oilers at the Arco Arena on April 3, 1994 in Sacramento, California. The Kings defeated the Oilers 6-1. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images) /
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Jan 11, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Teemu Selanne and his family watch as his number 8 jersey is retired prior to the game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Winnipeg Jets at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Teemu Selanne and his family watch as his number 8 jersey is retired prior to the game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Winnipeg Jets at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

21: Arizona Coyotes (Winnipeg Jets)

Before the Winnipeg Jets moved out to the desert, the team made sure to ruin the new franchise and twist the knife in the hearts of Jets’ fans. Teemu Selanne, one of the best players on the ice to watch and the definition of a fan favorite, was gone in a Finnish Flash when he got traded to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

It’s not like he was struggling either. He led his team in scoring and was in the midst of a 72-point season. Why he was traded is still baffling to this day and what they got in return made it hurt even more. Chad Kilger spent most of his time down in the minors, and only played 10 games for the Coyotes while Oleg Tverdovsky spent three seasons in Phoenix before he was traded back to the Ducks in 1999. He still experienced Cup success with the Devils and Hurricanes, but he bolted for the KHL not long after that.

It’s not like Selanne was ecstatic over his departure from the Jets. He loved the fans as much as they loved him, and it took him a while before he could adjust to his new surroundings. But in his first full season, he hit the 100-point mark and led the Ducks to the playoffs while playing alongside Paul Kariya.

After six seasons and only two playoff appearances with the Ducks, Selanne bounced around the Sharks and the Avalanche before coming back to Anaheim and finally winning a Cup in 2007. He played a big role in that playoff run, posting five goals and 15 points.

Selanne spent the rest of his career with the Ducks before calling it quits in 2013-14 as one of the most beloved players to ever lace them up. When the Jets reformed in 2011, they didn’t display any bitterness over the trade and greeted him with a standing ovation whenever the Ducks visited the MTS Centre. Fittingly, the Ducks decided to retire his number in a game against the Jets.

Next: 20: Carolina Hurricanes (Hartford Whalers)

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