Ducks Re-Sign Veteran Defenseman Scott Niedermayer to One-Year Deal

The Anaheim Ducks announced on Wednesday that they have signed veteran defenseman Scott Niedermayer to a one-year contract extension worth $6 million. Niedermayer had been considering retirement since the Ducks were eliminated from the 2009 playoffs by the Detroit Red Wings and just last week announced his intention to return. As a result, the Ducks were forced to trade Chris Pronger due to salary cap constraints. In all 82 games last season with the Ducks, he scored 14 goals and 45 assists for 59 points. In 1183 career games with the New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks, Niedermayer has scored 162 goals and 530 assists for 692 points. He has won four Stanley Cups in his career (1995, 2000, 2003, & 2007), the Norris Trophy as top defenseman in the league (2004), and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP (2007). This signing comes as no surprise, but is a tremendous one for the Ducks, as Niedermayer is one of the most skilled defenseman in the league. He has lots of offensive skill one the blueline, especially on the power play, brings lots of leadership qualities to the team, and provides lots of defensive depth. Niedermayer’s skills alone will help keep the Ducks a competitive team in the Western Conference next season.