With the retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom, the number of active NHL 94 players decreased yet again. This is obviously the most important reason why Teemu Selanne should continue his NHL career … you know, along with the whole being really good for the Anaheim Ducks and Hall of Fame numbers things.

Veikkaaja Magazine (terrible translation here; better synopsis here) reports that Selanne has decided to continue his NHL career for one more season in Anaheim.

Barring some freak Sami Salo-esque injury, he'll tell the Ducks formally in July or August.

Now, keep in mind this is one report. Other recent ones are a little cloudier about Selanne's return.

From Finnish sportswriter Matias Strozyk:

"Selänne answers to Ducks by July. They'll let him choose a desired post-retirement job in the organization. Mentions Robitaille's Kings job. No, doesn't mean Selänne retires now. He just said that he has the opportunity once done. Wants to do sales/consulting/representation with Ducks."

Via Jen Neale of Anaheim Calling, here's Ducks GM Bob Murray on Selanne on Monday:

Saw him a couple days ago, before he went back to Finland. He looks good. BM thinks Teemu is waiting to see what the team does over the 'next three weeks'. He's used to this process by now.

So the signs are pointing to another year of Teemu in the NHL. He has 663 career goals, and scored 26 last season; he's chasing Jaromir Jagr (665), Luc Robitaille (668), Mario Lemieux (690) and Steve Yzerman (692) and Mark Messsier (694) on the all-time list. You're all on notice.

s/t PG Marsh.