Selanne Keeps Eye on His Former Team

San Jose’s Teemu Selanne arrived at the Arrowhead Pond on Thursday morning prepared to be asked if he intends to return to the Mighty Ducks next season.

Selanne has the option for next season, at $6.5-million, and has seven days after the season ends to decide whether to get out of the contract.

“We have 13 games left and we’ll see how we play,” Selanne said. “If we play really bad, then it will be a tough decision.”

Selanne considered signing with the Ducks last summer, after golf games with Paul Kariya. He opted to stay with the Sharks, who were considered a Stanley Cup contender at the start of the season.

Instead, the Sharks are last in the Pacific Division. Selanne attracted interest at the trading deadline as well, but he has a no-trade clause.

“It was a situation where I didn’t want to give them the power to trade me anywhere,” Selanne said. “They never asked me to waive it. My family is very happy in San Jose. I think we have a good group of young players coming in here.”

Still, Selanne has noticed what the Ducks have been doing.

“I knew they were going to be better this season, but I am surprised how good they have been,” said Selanne, who was traded late in the 2000-01 season. “I’m really happy for Paul and Steve [Rucchin] and guys who have been there a long time.”

*

Duck defenseman Ruslan Salei had an epidural injection this week to treat a bulging disk in his back. He will see a back specialist again Monday and may receive another injection at that time.

“You have to wait five to seven days after that,” said Salei, who has missed the last four games.

The Ducks moved Lance Ward from right wing to defense against the Sharks on Thursday. Ward came into the NHL as a defenseman.