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.

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.