Gauthier Blasts Selanne Trade Rumors

Teemu Selanne will not be traded to the New Jersey Devils--or any other team, for that matter.

So said Pierre Gauthier, Duck president and general manager.

“I’m not going to answer every rumor, but this one is so out of whack that it had to be addressed,” Gauthier said Sunday, responding for the first time publicly to roughly two weeks worth of rumors that had Selanne being moved to the Devils for a package of players.

“It’s a total fabrication,” he added.

Newspapers in New York and Toronto floated the notion of a Duck-Devil deal, and the story has been repeated in cities from coast to coast.

“Because of the Internet one story is written and it’s reprinted and reprinted,” Gauthier said. “In respect to the fans, the team and to Teemu, I have to say there’s not a chance. There’s been no talk, no inquiries.

“There’s no way we’re trading these boys [Selanne or Paul Kariya]. It’s out of the question.

“It’s very unfortunate that rumors are spread by media people with no foundation. It’s unfair to the fans, to Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya and to the team.”

Gauthier said only last week that he would not dignify the rumors with a comment, but decided over the weekend to at last say something to reassure Duck fans.

“Our fans know what we’re trying to do,” he said. “It’s very, very unfortunate that a rumor like this circulates. I don’t mind [commenting] this time because our fans deserve an explanation.”

The rumors started just as Selanne and Kariya began to emerge from sluggish starts to the season.

Selanne had two assists in a 6-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, extending his point streak to 10 games (seven goals, 11 assists). Kariya has 14 goals and eight assists in his last 11 games.

“They are treasures,” Gauthier said of the all-star wingers. “There’s no other word for it. . . . The rumors are ridiculous. I haven’t had one GM call me and ask if there’s any truth to it. Not one guy. They all know it’s ridiculous.”

TONIGHT

at Chicago, 5:30 PST

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--United Center.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 23-26-8-1, Blackhawks 19-28-7-2.

* Record vs. Blackhawks--2-0-1.

* Update--Selanne needs two points to reach 700. The Duck power play is 12 for 35 (34.3%) during a seven-game streak with at least a goal with the man advantage. Chicago center Alex Zhamnov returned to the lineup Saturday after an eight-game absence because of a pulled right hamstring.