Born Teemu Ilmari Selänne on the 3rd July 1970 in Helsinki, Finland, he is a hockey player who spent 21 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing for the Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche from 1988 until 2014, when he retired.
Have you ever wondered how rich Teemu Selänne is, as of early 2017? According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that Selänne’s net worth is as high as $40 million, an amount earned largely through his successful career as a hockey player.
Teemu Selänne Net Worth $40 Million
Teemu is one of three sons born to Liisa Viitanen and Ilmari Selänne. His parents divorced in the ‘80s, but before that the whole family moved a lot, living in Rauma and Espoo.
In his early years, Teemu played hockey, soccer and bandy, but as he grew up, he put all his efforts into hockey and joined Jokerit, their junior squad, playing for three seasons, before he reached the first team in 1989-1990 season. In his first season Teemu played in 11 games, scoring four goals and making 8 assists. His second season was far better, as he played in 42 games, and bagged 33 goals with 25 assists. His third and last season in Finland was the best, as he scored 39 goals and added 23 assists to his name. He was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 1988, but was left in his native country to develop his hockey skills, but in 1992 he signed a contract with the Jets worth $2.7 million over three years, which increased his net worth.
He debuted in the NHL on the 6th October 1992, and made two assists in a match against the Detroit Red Wings. In his debut season, Teemu showed his attacking arsenal, by scoring 76 goals, and also made possible another 56 goals scored by his teammates. His outstanding performance earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year, while he also made the First All-Star Team.
Unfortunately, that was his best season in his entire career as his numbers began slowly to decline, which resulted in him being traded to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 1995, without even being informed of the trade. He was furious with the Jets front office and hasn’t spoken to anyone from the franchise ever since. He played for the Mighty Ducks for the next five years with solid performances, which earned him All-Star game appearances in five consecutive seasons – 1996 – 2000. However, that wasn’t enough to stay on the team, as the Mighty Ducks sent him to the San Jose Sharks.
His numbers slowly declined, and he opted out of his last season with the Sharks and joined the Colorado Avalanche, signing a contract worth $5.8 million for one year, increasing further his net worth. Unfortunately, his stint with the Avalanche ended right after his one year contract expired – he didn’t play through 2004-2005 season, due to a labor dispute that cancelled whole league.
In 2005 he signed again for the Anaheim Ducks, for which he played until the end of his career in 2014. He won his first and only Stanley Cup Trophy with the Ducks in 2006-2007 season, however his playing time was limited, and therefore his numbers were nowhere near those he posted in his rookie season.
Apart from successful team career, Teemu also had success with the Finland National team; he played in 96 games, in which he scored 54 goals and had 48 assists for a total of 102 points. Although golden medal eluded him and his teammates, he has four Olympic medals, one silver and three bronze, while he also has silver and bronze medals from World Championships.
During his career, Teemu posted several records, including for most goals by a rookie with 76, most goals by a Finnish-born player with 684, and Anaheim franchise record for most goals, 457 goals in total, among many other records.
Teemu’s net worth also benefited from his career as a businessman, having a restaurant chain as a sole owner, while also being a partner to Jim Shumate in his restaurant located near Laguna Beach.
Regarding his personal life, Teemu has been married to Sirpa Vuorinen since 1996; the couple has four children.
Teemu is also a well-known philanthropist; he started the Godfathers’ Foundation, through which he raises money for ill children.
Teemu is also a car admirer and collector, and he has participated in the World Rally Championship a couple of times, finishing 33rd and 24th in the standings.
