Defenseman Scott Niedermayer Announces Retirement

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer announced his retirement this afternoon at a press conference at the Honda Centre in Anaheim less than four months after helping lead Canada to an Olympic gold medal in Vancouver. Niedermayer had been pondering retirement since the end of the 2006-07 season, but every year decided to keep on playing. In 80 games last season with the Ducks, he had 10 goals and 38 assists for 48 points. In 1263 career NHL games with the New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks, he had 172 goals and 568 assists for 740 points. Niedermayer won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Devils in 1995, 2000, and 2003, and as a member of the Ducks in 2007. He won the Norris Trophy in 2004 as the league's top defenseman and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2007. He has also won Olympic gold medals in 2002 and 2010. It doesn't surprise me that Niedermayer is hanging up the skates as he's hinted at retirement over the past couple seasons. He was a excellent defenseman throughout his career and one of the best in the league over the past couple decades. He was a proven leader on the ice, had superb defensive skills, and provided lots of offense from the blueline. He accomplished a lot throughout his career and should easily be elected to the Hall of Fame the first year he is eligible. Niedermayer's presence on the blueline will be missed in Anaheim and the rest of the league.