Niedermayer considering retirement

From E.J. Hradek's blog on ESPN. It's Insider content, so I'll only forward the pertinent portions:

The Ducks captain, who'll turn 34 on Aug. 31, said he can't put any percentage on which way he might be leaning; at this point, he's not "likely" to do one thing or another. He's trying to sort through his feelings and make a decision.

[...]

Burke said he heard about the situation from coach Randy Carlyle, who'd asked Niedermayer about the rumors during their exit interview. Niedermayer told Carlyle that he was indeed considering retirement.

In the article it says that Niedermayer would like to make a decision by July 1st, but he "can't rush it."

Burke said that he's heading to mass with his daughter and lighting a candle hoping Niedermayer comes back. He's proceeding as if Scott will return until he hears different.

From E.J. Hradek's blog on ESPN. It's Insider content, so I'll only forward the pertinent portions:



In the article it says that Niedermayer would like to make a decision by July 1st, but he "can't rush it."

Burke said that he's heading to mass with his daughter and lighting a candle hoping Niedermayer comes back. He's proceeding as if Scott will return until he hears different.
That sound you just heard was Edmonton fans cheering for the prospects of their 1st and 2nd round picks next year.

That sound you just heard was Edmonton fans cheering for the prospects of their 1st and 2nd round picks next year.

It won't be that bad. The team would probably still be better than the 2005-06 version, all things considered.

It won't be that bad. The team would probably still be better than the 2005-06 version, all things considered.

I think we'd need to lose Giguere, Selanne, and Niedermayer before we worry about missing the playoffs next year. The rest of the team will be solid with a few free agent additions.

I think we'd need to lose Giguere, Selanne, and Niedermayer before we worry about missing the playoffs next year. The rest of the team will be solid with a few free agent additions.

Yeah but losing Scotty would be a major blow. He's our captain and was playoff MVP for a reason. I just hope he stays for his teammates who all want to win again. C'mon Scotty, you're a young man don't do this to us.

Do Ducks fans realistically expect to retain Giguere if Niedermeyer retires? Obviously you have more room I guess

Do Ducks fans realistically expect to retain Giguere if Niedermeyer retires? Obviously you have more room I guess
Yes. We'll be able to offer more cash if needed, and going by cash would be the only reason he'd be going then I think it would be safe to say he'll stay

I think we'd need to lose Giguere, Selanne, and Niedermayer before we worry about missing the playoffs next year. The rest of the team will be solid with a few free agent additions.

We could lose all three and probably still make it, honestly. There are a few diehard stinkers in the West, and Nashville looks like it's heading that way.

I wonder why he is retiring at a young age. He is the type of player that can play till 40. Even though he was never a Ranger, he is a great player. I hope he continues to play in the NHL.

I wonder why he is retiring at a young age. He is the type of player that can play till 40. Even though he was never a Ranger, he is a great player. I hope he continues to play in the NHL.

because he has everything a hockey player can have
and he has family,maybe he want to be with them...I don't wanna see him to retire,everytime I see him play I just wonder how he is doing that every night and night 30min a game

he is wonderful player,wonderful captain..


oh man first time I can see my ducks live (london) and there is strong possiblity it will be without scotty,teemu and maybe jiggy
I will :cry: if this will come true

It won't be that bad. The team would probably still be better than the 2005-06 version, all things considered.
No it won't be that bad, but you can't deny that we will be a weaker team. His contract provides great value in that his defense partner will instantly look way better (even though Frankie is still a great #3), he'll do it for nearly 30 min a game, and that salaries are rising at an unsustainble rate, especially for defensemen and for a team who has a budget below the salary cap.

I wonder how much of this has to do with the wear and tear he's gone through the last 2 seasons. Although he's a champ and great athlete playing 30 minutes a game with a big target on his back must be tough. We all know how the stress fracture really slowed his game down for a while.

I've always said I'd like the ducks to get a 4th defenseman that can play key minutes so that Pronger/Niedermayer don't have to play 30+ minutes a game, I wonder if a lesser load would be more amiable to him.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO:cry:

But after four rings and one with his brother........I can see it....I hope not, but..........

No it won't be that bad, but you can't deny that we will be a weaker team. His contract provides great value in that his defense partner will instantly look way better (even though Frankie is still a great #3), he'll do it for nearly 30 min a game, and that salaries are rising at an unsustainble rate, especially for defensemen and for a team who has a budget below the salary cap.

We've exceeded our "budget below the salary cap" for two straight years now. I'm not even considering that. This team will spend to the cap to be competitive.

And yeah, I know Niedermayer would be a huge loss. But with Pronger and Beauchemin and the right pickup, this team would still be one of the better teams in the league. Think Edmonton's playoff team last year with more talent and grit.

Even if everyone had returned, I wouldn't have wagered on another Cup. The team wouldn't have been as hungry for it, I don't think. But maybe Teemu and Scotty decide to say, "well, what the hell, one more shot!" and rally everyone to send them out winners. Hey, it could still happen.

We could lose all three and probably still make it, honestly. There are a few diehard stinkers in the West, and Nashville looks like it's heading that way.

Actually, Nashville looks like it's heading due North. If (1) they move and (2) retain the nickname Predators, the Hamilton Predators will be the worst pro sports name this side of the Utah Jazz.

I wonder why he is retiring at a young age. He is the type of player that can play till 40. Even though he was never a Ranger, he is a great player. I hope he continues to play in the NHL.

Lucky thing that LeMieux and Yzerman got to play for the Rangers.:)

As much as I'd love to not see Niedermayer 8 times a year, I sincerely hope he keeps playing. Easily one of the better defensemen to ever play.

Please don't do this to us Scotty........I have a fever and the only cure is more Niedermania.

Uh Oh

What is up with these players considering retirement after winning the Cup? Grow some balls.

There...I said it.

What is up with these players considering retirement after winning the Cup? Grow some balls.

There...I said it.

Do it for the money!!:sarcasm:

Do it for something. Just do it!

Hey...

Neids is not leaving the sport.
Good way for Burke recruit additional D-man at lower prices .....

Actually, Nashville looks like it's heading due North. If (1) they move and (2) retain the nickname Predators, the Hamilton Predators will be the worst pro sports name this side of the Utah Jazz.
The LA Lakers don't have the most appropriate name either.

Do it for the money!!:sarcasm:

If Scotty wants privacy, he can buy a lot of privacy with $13 million over the next two years. Okay, six-seven million after taxes, but still. He can afford a small island.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=211266&hubname=nhl


''Scott has indicated that he's thinking about retirement,'' Ducks GM Brian Burke told The Canadian Press on Tuesday.

The Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP informed Burke of the possibility during the players' exit interviews a few days after Anaheim won its championship.

Niedermayer confirmed the rumours of his possible retirement in an ESPN.com story Monday and said he wasn't leaning either way.

This is very surprising.

Good news, with 6.25M we can sign like 5 top enforcers!

Good news, with 6.25M we can sign like 5 top enforcers!

To be truthful if Scotty retires this could be bad news for some teams who are looking to keep their UFA's, makes the Ducks a big player on July 1st, which I would imagine is when he will make his mind up on retiring or not, can't imagine he would want to leave the Ducks high and dry and no chance to sign a top UFA or two.

To be truthful if Scotty retires this could be bad news for some teams who are looking to keep their UFA's, makes the Ducks a big player on July 1st, which I would imagine is when he will make his mind up on retiring or not, can't imagine he would want to leave the Ducks high and dry and no chance to sign a top UFA or two.

Indeed. Especially since he has no history of that. Oh wait. (expletive)

Indeed. Especially since he has no history of that. Oh wait. (expletive)

I honestly don't think he would do it again, I'm sure he heard some criticism for what he did to Lou and is probably sensitive to it.

The thing that concerns me is that normally I wouldn't make a big deal about this because you know guys like Chelios who crave attention/spotlight will want to "announce" their final season before getting accolades and recognition in every arena during their farewell tour. Niedermayer will not care about this and is probably more apt to walk away on a whim.

The thing that concerns me is that normally I wouldn't make a big deal about this because you know guys like Chelios who crave attention/spotlight will want to "announce" their final season before getting accolades and recognition in every arena during their farewell tour. Niedermayer will not care about this and is probably more apt to walk away on a whim.

I agree with this except that I don't think it would be on a whim. Scotty is a thinker and wouldn't do something like this lightly.

For those of you who do not visit Allducks.com, here is what Wildcat wrote on this topic (I consider him to be quite reliable):

"I'm getting the sense that this is a done deal. I'm actually look for a press confernce on Friday afternoon before the draft. Also, and this just specualtion, but I am getting a hint that he will be staying within the Ducks organization. With two openings in the Pirates coaching staff, I'm hearing he could be the second assistant coach along with Kevin Dineen brother Gord.

I think by Friday it will all come to a head.....Niedermayer, Selanne and Giguere will all be put front and center this weekend."

http://www.allducks.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=15846&st=300#

I don't buy that he would take a coaching position if he does walk away, especially one away from his family. It doesn't wash. And I don't think he's made his decision yet. He's already made a point saying he's not going to rush it. I don't believe that we're going to hear about him before the draft.

Black and Gold really suits Ed Jovanovski well :naughty:...

Black and Gold really suits Ed Jovanovski well :naughty:...

Er... no.

Make a push for Pitkanen?

Er... no.

YES!!! :p:

YES!!! :p:

Hopefully Burke will forget about his days as Vancouver's GM and not take what Phoenix would probably like to dump.

Scott did say he isn't leaning one way or another. But the more these types of stories/blogs are written, the more I think he really might retire.

It's been a pleasure watching Scotty up close for two years (I'm envious of the Devils fans who had him for 14 years). And the Ducks will surely miss his leadership, skill and all the other things he brings to the team. Many of the Ducks pointed to him as the biggest reason for their success this year, and he was a great influence on the Kids. It'll be painful if he leaves, and hopefully he won't, but I'll respect and support his decision.

Make a push for Pitkanen?

pitkanen will not be traded. i dont think niedermayer will retire this season

I don't buy that he would take a coaching position if he does walk away, especially one away from his family. It doesn't wash. And I don't think he's made his decision yet. He's already made a point saying he's not going to rush it. I don't believe that we're going to hear about him before the draft.


I do think he's made up his mind...He's just feeding the media a line. I also wasn't saying that him taking a job with the Pirates was a sure a thing. That was just me giving an opinion/reaction after having a conversation. After having that conversation and writing that post. I think it would be unlikely because the Pirates said they are going to announce their coaching staff tomorrow.

I expect some sort of announcement to come by Friday.

I expect some sort of announcement to come by Friday.

Is this based on anything in particular or are you interpreting the timing here?

I'm not really doubting that he would retire, I'm just doubting the timing. You're right, he could be greasing the skids, but his comment about how ideally he'd like to make a decision before July 1st, but he doesn't want to rush things indicates that a response isn't necessarily forthcoming.

Burke's comments also aren't indicative of a man that thinks Nieder has made his decision. The "I'm acting as if he's returning until he tells me different" doesn't really help grease the skids for Scott or for the fans.

You're obviously privy to a lot more information than we are. Without getting into specifics, what HAVE you heard that makes you think the decision is already made?

Burke's comments also aren't indicative of a man that thinks Nieder has made his decision. The "I'm acting as if he's returning until he tells me different" doesn't really help grease the skids for Scott or for the fans.

I retract this part. I just read the article on NHL.com where Burke gives the whole "Obviously he's earned the right to walk away" thing.

Ah, well.

I just think that the Ducks would like to get everything squared away by Friday. They don't want to enter the draft and free agency with this hanging over their head. With that said....I don't have anything giving me concrete proof that Friday is the deadline, but again it's a reaction to my discussions.

As for my discussions. I was working on a story about the draft for my paper and I was speaking to an agent who represents several of the players. In our conversation he told me that he felt that Niedermayer made up his mind to retire during the playoffs and even if the Ducks didn't win the Cup. He was telling me that Scotty is the type of person that would rather run for political office then play hockey. He's had a successful career and could do something else and be just as successful. His life doesn't revolve around hockey and the money associated with hockey.

Sitting back it makes sense more and more.

Lame. What was the point of the long term deal then?

Lame. What was the point of the long term deal then?

ask pronger

I'm in agreement with you on Scotty's temperament. When I heard the whispers about it, I actually thought, "yeah, I could see it," even though it's unprecedented for a hockey player (except for Dryden) to walk away in his early thirties while he's still an elite player. He's an introverted guy who just likes to be with his family.

I definitely couldn't see him running for office. He shuns the media and one of his conditions for playing in Anaheim (according to Burke) was to be left alone. I see him spending all his time wearing crappy shirts and hanging out with his family. How much publicity was done for his signing in Anaheim? One photo shoot with his brother, I think. Thankfully they didn't photograph them in a barrel of oranges.

This makes me feel better, because I still think it's all speculative at this point, although I'm leaning more towards the "he's gone" camp. If I had to put the order of likelihood that players are coming back, I say Teemu, Jiggy than Nieds.

And in one respect, if he can really walk away from $13 million... well, wow. You have to be impressed, somewhat.

Lame. What was the point of the long term deal then?

He probably didn't feel then how he does now. Everyone felt a little refreshed coming off the lockout, I'm sure.

That, and his brother earned some nice cash through that deal.

:amazed: He's still young and at the top of his game. This would be a big blow to the NHL to lose a player of his ability. Who's the last NHL elite player to go out at the peak of his career? I really can't think of one. I mean, don't all the hockey players LOVE the game and can't imagine themselves doing anything else? That's what they all say, unless he has some sort of strange hidden disease or injury we don't know about.

If Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne retire, I am officially on suicide watch.

:cry:

And in one respect, if he can really walk away from $13 million... well, wow. You have to be impressed, somewhat.
I have the feeling this will happen at the same time Lidstrom "goes back to play in Sweden."

I dont think he retires...

eklund seems to think its a done deal

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=8096

eklund seems to think its a done deal

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=8096 (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=8096)

Fantastic, we're glad to have him back next year. :)

Fantastic, we're glad to have him back next year. :)

???

according to eklund: The Niedermayer situation will be very clear very soon, and all I have to say is everyone will respect Scotty all the more...

Well...that sounds like he's retiring...

???

according to eklund:

Well...that sounds like he's retiring...

That doesn't sound like anything. Way to take a stand Eklund.

That doesn't sound like anything. Way to take a stand Eklund.
That's what I thought too hopefully this will be settled soon.

The Niedermayer situation will be very clear very soon, and all I have to say is everyone will respect Scotty all the more...

This quote is so vague, it could be taken both ways. Eklund sucks at creating rumors.

The headline (bold part on top) says 'Niedermayer retiring, but not yet'

me too
I'm retiring, but not yet.

???

Markus, if Eklund told me the sun was coming up tomorrow, I'd stock up on flashlights and batteries.

Selanne, Giggy, and Nieds are three of the best, classiest players in the league. I hope you guys get to keep them around for another season.

Markus, if Eklund told me the sun was coming up tomorrow, I'd stock up on flashlights and batteries.

Indeed.

I would hate to see Nieds retire as he brings a lot to the game. The true definition of a hockey player, and the kind of guy that really separates hockey players from other professional sports athletes.

If he does go, there are a few names out there that can at least begin to fill the hole he creates. Anaheim could go after a Derek Morris for very little and still have salary room for another d-man to go with depth over quality. Morris and Sarich can be had for less than Niedermayer and a minimum wage d-man. Anaheim could also try to pick up the more expensive Wade Redden, or the salary dump named Jovonovski. Selanne is tougher to replace this year as there are not that many guys on the right side that teams want to dump that still contribute. A combination of a guy like Kotalik from Buffalo and the hopeful emergence of Bobby Ryan might fill at least some of the gaps.

You can't replace those two, but you can do an awful lot with that cap space without giving up a ton of assets.

I can't say I feel all that sorry for you folks as I have been waiting since '79 to see the nux win the cup, but I do feel bad that these two may be leaving the game. It's a loss for the NHL, not just your team. :)

I would hate to see Nieds retire as he brings a lot to the game. The true definition of a hockey player, and the kind of guy that really separates hockey players from other professional sports athletes.

If he does go, there are a few names out there that can at least begin to fill the hole he creates. Anaheim could go after a Derek Morris for very little and still have salary room for another d-man to go with depth over quality. Morris and Sarich can be had for less than Niedermayer and a minimum wage d-man. Anaheim could also try to pick up the more expensive Wade Redden, or the salary dump named Jovonovski. Selanne is tougher to replace this year as there are not that many guys on the right side that teams want to dump that still contribute. A combination of a guy like Kotalik from Buffalo and the hopeful emergence of Bobby Ryan might fill at least some of the gaps.

You can't replace those two, but you can do an awful lot with that cap space without giving up a ton of assets.

I can't say I feel all that sorry for you folks as I have been waiting since '79 to see the nux win the cup, but I do feel bad that these two may be leaving the game. It's a loss for the NHL, not just your team. :)


Derek Morris is an interesting name. The whole "buy low, sell high" idea, he's a talented guy who isn't looked upon all that favorably right now.

If Niedermayer retires I'd like to go after Jovocop 1st personally.

I'd feel sorry for anyone who'd have to face both Beauchemein and him at the same time.

Morris is nice pickup too, I wonder if we'd have the cap space for both. Probably we'd have to lose Giguere or Selanne to get both though.

If Niedermayer retires I'd like to go after Jovocop 1st personally.

God no, he's the anti-Niedermayer. Highest ratio of talent to brains in the league. His only strength is his skill on the PP, but Pronger is fine in that regard. You could never get anyone to fully replace Niedermayer. Timonen would have been nice for the puck moving aspects, but not for $6 million and definitely not for six years.

If Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne retire, I am officially on suicide watch.

:cry:

right there with you brother.

idk he seems pretty good defensively, my only concern is his injuries.

God no, he's the anti-Niedermayer. Highest ratio of talent to brains in the league. His only strength is his skill on the PP, but Pronger is fine in that regard. You could never get anyone to fully replace Niedermayer. Timonen would have been nice for the puck moving aspects, but not for $6 million and definitely not for six years.

Jovo's not all that bad, but his number is pretty high, isn't it? I don't see him as a transitional guy. One of the best parts of Nieds' game is sparking the transition. We need a guy with great skating and passing abilities to get the same sort of effect.

Jovo's not all that bad, but his number is pretty high, isn't it?

Yeah, his cap hit is $6.5 million through 2011/12. I'd rather have him than Kariya, but still, no thanks.

Yeah, his cap hit is $6.5 million through 2011/12. I'd rather have him than Kariya, but still, no thanks.

Yeah, no.

Markus, if Eklund told me the sun was coming up tomorrow, I'd stock up on flashlights and batteries.

sorry, I did not get the ;)...I know what you mean now :)

If Niedermayer retires I'd like to go after Jovocop 1st personally.

If both Selanne and S. Niedermayer call it quits, than trading for Jovo would be a good way to get Bertuzzi to sign on the cheap. Burke, Jovo, and Big Bert back together again. Both players are certainly downgrades, but Anaheim would be an even tougher, even more physically imposing team. Phoenix needs a goalie, and you guys have two. Bryzgalov and a salary dump (R. Niedermayer,maybe?) for Jovo and a more affordable checker (K. Adams, maybe?) would have me bouncing off the walls. I'm sure most Ducks fans would be furious, though.

If both Selanne and S. Niedermayer call it quits, than trading for Jovo would be a good way to get Bertuzzi to sign on the cheap. Burke, Jovo, and Big Bert back together again. Both players are certainly downgrades, but Anaheim would be an even tougher, even more physically imposing team. Phoenix needs a goalie, and you guys have two. Bryzgalov and a salary dump (R. Niedermayer,maybe?) for Jovo and a more affordable checker (K. Adams, maybe?) would have me bouncing off the walls. I'm sure most Ducks fans would be furious, though.

And deservedly rufrious...why would we get ripped off? Rob Niedermayer for Kevyn Adams???? Thats like Dan Cleary for Marty Reasoner:help:

If both Selanne and S. Niedermayer call it quits, than trading for Jovo would be a good way to get Bertuzzi to sign on the cheap. Burke, Jovo, and Big Bert back together again. Both players are certainly downgrades, but Anaheim would be an even tougher, even more physically imposing team. Phoenix needs a goalie, and you guys have two. Bryzgalov and a salary dump (R. Niedermayer,maybe?) for Jovo and a more affordable checker (K. Adams, maybe?) would have me bouncing off the walls. I'm sure most Ducks fans would be furious, though.

This paragraph starts bad and gets worse and worse. Yeah, I was furious at the end.

Personally I think Nieds will anounce that he's playing one more year, but retiring after the season concludes. Well hoping that happens anyway.

Personally I think Nieds will anounce that he's playing one more year, but retiring after the season concludes. Well hoping that happens anyway.

I'm hoping he announces he's playing out his contract and then calling it quits. Please be so.

And deservedly rufrious...why would we get ripped off? Rob Niedermayer for Kevyn Adams???? Thats like Dan Cleary for Marty Reasoner:help:

Do you guys actually have anyone who makes too much money that you WANT to dump?

This paragraph starts bad and gets worse and worse. Yeah, I was furious at the end.

I figured you guys would HATE it. ;)

Do you guys actually have anyone who makes too much money that you WANT to dump?

No reason to change anything. :)

Do you guys actually have anyone who makes too much money that you WANT to dump?

The closest we have to overpaid is Todd Marchant. But, he serves a useful role. Overall, Burke has done a fantastic job of keeping the salaries in check. That's one huge reason he now has a Cup under his belt.

No reason to change anything. :)

I know what you're saying, but to be honest, there's always a reason to change something. Glen Sather always tinkered with his Oiler dynasty, because it ensured that the new blood would keep the hunger for the Cup high, and energize the rest of the team. I don't think this team is any different, and I'd expect that even if Selanne and Niedermayer return, SOMETHING will be done to shake it up a bit.

http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/story.html?id=a5d90c0d-e33b-4794-a019-33101204dd4e&k=58738

Bob Niedermayer, a doctor inCranbrook, said his son's decision will be based more on family concerns than on career achievements.

"That's the major factor for him," Bob Niedermayer said. "It's a very difficult decision. He's in the peak of his career, and he obviously loves hockey, but he has three young boys and I think he really feels he's missing out on their growing-up years. He's considering the family side of it because these are years you are not going to get back."

Although the Ducks still have rugged defenceman Chris Pronger under contract, losing Niedermayer would be a serious blow to Anaheim, which could also lose goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere to free agency after July 1.

Niedermayer has two years remaining on his contract, at $6.75 million US a year, and his loyalty to the Ducks is not something he's simply brushing off, his father said.

"It weighs heavily on him," Bob Niedermayer said. "His commitment to the team, it's not something he takes lightly."

No jovo.

If Niedermayer retires we'd have to sign atleast two defensemen, and maybe O'donnell as well in addition.

http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/story.html?id=a5d90c0d-e33b-4794-a019-33101204dd4e&k=58738

Then it's settled. Play out your 2 remaining years and then retire. You ain't gonna miss too much with your kids in 2 years.

If his heart's not in it, Nieder should retire. I'm okay with that. Maybe the Ducks can set a webcam up on his computer so we can see what shirt he's wearing each day. That would be fun.

If both Selanne and S. Niedermayer call it quits, than trading for Jovo would be a good way to get Bertuzzi to sign on the cheap. Burke, Jovo, and Big Bert back together again. Both players are certainly downgrades, but Anaheim would be an even tougher, even more physically imposing team. Phoenix needs a goalie, and you guys have two. Bryzgalov and a salary dump (R. Niedermayer,maybe?) for Jovo and a more affordable checker (K. Adams, maybe?) would have me bouncing off the walls. I'm sure most Ducks fans would be furious, though.

Bert is very, very happy in Detroit. It's simply a matter of money, and everyone locally expects him to sign very soon. Here are Bert's own words on the subject:

"I don’t feel like moving anywhere any more. I’m very happy here. It’s one of those dressing rooms that you want to be a part of. It’s something special. Especially for the next couple of years, this team can do some damage. I’ll talk to Kenny [GM Ken Holland] and go from there."

"I’ll be healthy. I need a month to take off and get healthy. I came back a little bit early, but it wasn’t the back that hurt me for the last couple of games. The back’s getting better."

"I know that getting healthy and getting a full year under my belt, I know I can do some damage here. The key is just to get healthy. In order to play my style, you have to be healthy. It just wasn’t meant to be. I’m still fortunate that I got the opportunity to come here and play. It was pretty special."

About Hasek ... "When you’ve got the best goaltender in the world, you want to see him back. … Obviously everyone who’s coming back is pulling for him to come back."


That last sentence I bolded particularly indicates he's returning to Detroit. He's talking as if he's already in the group that's coming back.

Here's an intriguing option regarding Nieds. What if he played part-time?

He could play every home game, and miss every other road trip, miss the Eastern swing (which aren't as important as the in-conference games) and then we get his full attention during the playoffs. He'd get plenty of time at home and probably save a lot of wear and tear on his body during the season.

As a Ducks fan, I'd happily go along with this. What do you guys think?

Here's an intriguing option regarding Nieds. What if he played part-time?

He could play every home game, and miss every other road trip, miss the Eastern swing (which aren't as important as the in-conference games) and then we get his full attention during the playoffs. He'd get plenty of time at home and probably save a lot of wear and tear on his body during the season.

As a Ducks fan, I'd happily go along with this. What do you guys think?

You could go a step further and have him do a Floppa - not play a single regular season game and just show up for the playoffs.

Then it's settled. Play out your 2 remaining years and then retire. You ain't gonna miss too much with your kids in 2 years.

Are you sure about that? I doubt any parent would agree with that statement.

Im sure Burke has thought of giving him some time off, but it makes it a bad precedent.

Now you got a guy who gets priveleged treatment... it might not happen overnight, but eventually its gonna cause a problem in the dressing room.

Bottom line is that he doesn't want to miss out on those years with his kids growing up. Hopefully Burke understands this and will do his best to make this easier for him. The above article says he's not shrugging off his responsibility so thats a good thing.

Now all we need is a daycare at the duck's center for all the players... I'm sure the wifes will love that! Get creative Duck's management... do whatever you can to keep this guy.

Are you sure about that? I doubt any parent would agree with that statement.

13.5 million minus the taxes equals 6.75 million divided by 3 equals 2.25 million per child. Dad may not like it, but the kids will, (eventually)

Im sure Burke has thought of giving him some time off, but it makes it a bad precedent.

I don't think it's such a bad precedent when you consider that it's Scott Niedermayer. I would talk with the team before making that offer, though.

Now all we need is a daycare at the duck's center for all the players... I'm sure the wifes will love that! Get creative Duck's management... do whatever you can to keep this guy.

This would be similar to what the Hurricanes have been doing. Each (participating) family has a personal attendant (hired by the Canes) assigned to them, to do things like pick up the kids from school, babysitting, shopping, making hotel reservations or whatever. I thought that was a tremendous idea.

Bottom line is that he doesn't want to miss out on those years with his kids growing up. Hopefully Burke understands this and will do his best to make this easier for him. The above article says he's not shrugging off his responsibility so thats a good thing.

Now all we need is a daycare at the duck's center for all the players... I'm sure the wifes will love that! Get creative Duck's management... do whatever you can to keep this guy.

The day care center is a really good idea. Although Scott will still be away from his family whenever the Ducks go out on the road.

Are you sure about that? I doubt any parent would agree with that statement.

Absolutely!
Obviously the person that made that statement is too young, naive, ignorant or doesn't have children. My boys are 4 years old and 8 months old and I wouldn't have given up the first 4 years and 8 months of their life for anything.

In the first 4 years of any childs life, the changes that you and your child experience are invaluable. From learning how to smile, situp, crawl, walk, talk, hug, kiss,...you really can't put a price tag on it.

I still remember when my oldest son first learned to crawl and I remember his first steps too.
I work a 12 hour day (commute included) but I try to make every minute at home with them count despite having a busy schedule. When my son says "You're my best friend daddy" you know that all of your sacrifices are worth it and more.

I don't envy Neidermayer's decision. But if I were him, I'd retire in a heartbeat if it meant spending more time with my sons. Family is more important (to some) than anything on this planet. Certainly more than a childs game that some adults get paid millions for.

Absolutely!
Obviously the person that made that statement is too young, naive, ignorant or doesn't have children. My boys are 4 years old and 8 months old and I wouldn't have given up the first 4 years and 8 months of their life for anything.

In the first 4 years of any childs life, the changes that you and your child experience are invaluable. From learning how to smile, situp, crawl, walk, talk, hug, kiss,...you really can't put a price tag on it.

I still remember when my oldest son first learned to crawl and I remember his first steps too.
I work a 12 hour day (commute included) but I try to make every minute at home with them count despite having a busy schedule. When my son says "You're my best friend daddy" you know that all of your sacrifices are worth it and more.

I don't envy Neidermayer's decision. But if I were him, I'd retire in a heartbeat if it meant spending more time with my sons. Family is more important (to some) than anything on this planet. Certainly more than a childs game that some adults get paid millions for.

It's not like he never gets to see his boys, he does live with them you know. They also aren't toddlers either. Plus, from September to June, they are in school five days a week.

But I agree wholeheartedly that spending more time with your family is more important than anything in your life, period. My father worked 90+ hours a week when I was little and I never saw the guy and it affected me. But he did so we could live better and now I see my father a lot (including a magical run to the Stanley Cup :D).

So I wouldn't critisize Scotty at all for retiring but I'd ask him to consider the team and us fans knowing what could be achieved this year.

Here's an intriguing option regarding Nieds. What if he played part-time?

He could play every home game, and miss every other road trip, miss the Eastern swing (which aren't as important as the in-conference games) and then we get his full attention during the playoffs. He'd get plenty of time at home and probably save a lot of wear and tear on his body during the season.

As a Ducks fan, I'd happily go along with this. What do you guys think?
If my father had retired at 33, when I was home or in school, and he was home all the damn time, I'd have ended up hating him.

One of the nice things about parents having to work and be gone sometimes is that you get a chance to miss them.

i doubt that niedmeyer will retire

If my father had retired at 33, when I was home or in school, and he was home all the damn time, I'd have ended up hating him.

One of the nice things about parents having to work and be gone sometimes is that you get a chance to miss them.

... okay.

... okay.

No he's got a point. One of my best friends mom quit her job when he was like 13 or 14 and she just became a stay-at-home mom again it drove him crazy. But then again she is a good ol' hard-ass Irish woman and that is to be expected. I'm sure Scotty is a much more easy-going parent.

Would you end up hating Scott, or the shirts he wears every day?

If my father had retired at 33, when I was home or in school, and he was home all the damn time, I'd have ended up hating him.

One of the nice things about parents having to work and be gone sometimes is that you get a chance to miss them.

... okay.

No he's got a point. One of my best friends mom quit her job when he was like 13 or 14 and she just became a stay-at-home mom again it drove him crazy. But then again she is a good ol' hard-ass Irish woman and that is to be expected. I'm sure Scotty is a much more easy-going parent.

Except I'm pretty sure Scott would still stay involved in hockey in some capacity. He would be an advisor, commentator or something to that effect I'm sure. Just not travel 9 months of the year. It can be tough on families.

That being said, Scott needs to sack up and play at least two more seasons.

No he's got a point.

He may have a point in regards to some families, but it may not apply at all to Niedermayer's kids. I don't really see the point in speculating on how they do or don't feel about their dad.

Is that what I did, Sally Jessy?

Don't really know whatcha were doin' there, Oprah.

Scotty spent 2 months playing injured this season with a foot injury and also looked injured in the Detroit series. It is normally hard to play 30+ minutes a game, but playing that much time injured has to take its tole. Given that he has accomplished the one remaining goal he really wanted to by getting his brother a cup, and remembers this season as one of pain, I understand his feeling of not wanting to come back.

Given some time being healthy over the summer and he will probably want to come back again.

No he's got a point. One of my best friends mom quit her job when he was like 13 or 14 and she just became a stay-at-home mom again it drove him crazy. But then again she is a good ol' hard-ass Irish woman and that is to be expected. I'm sure Scotty is a much more easy-going parent.

It all depends on the parent. If your parent is a miserable son of a gun, then yes, I'd enjoy it if they were at work.

If my dad retired at 33 (with me being 9 years old) I would have loved it! He would have dropped me off and picked me up from school everyday and instead of waiting for him to come home at 6:00 I could have hung out with him playing ball or hockey all day and weekend.

I don't think a lot of NHL fans really understand how much time players spend away from their families. Especially west coast teams.
ESPN showed a year in the life of the Redwings and Draper went on about how many things he missed in the first year of his daughters life. It was pretty sad.

And I don't care if your kid is 4 or 14. There's still plenty to experience with them.
Our society's going to hell in a hand basket because parents are spending more time at work than at home. And then we critisize a professional athlete, who has the financial means, who wants to retire and spend more time with his kids and wife.

I applaud Scott if he makes this decision. If more fathers did, we wouldn't have idiot kids running around doing the retarded things they do.
Heck, my wife and I are even contemplating me taking a smaller job, for less money. It would mean that we'd have to sell our house for a smaller one and probably lose a car, but it would also mean no more 2-hour commutes and 13 hour days. It's an easy trade off for me.

Well, we made it through Friday and no announcement. No news is good news in this case, I think.

http://i16.tinypic.com/61k1bpd.jpg

Some guy went to a party at Scott's house and got his pic on the front page of a Canadian newspaper. :biglaugh:

He's a Duck season seat holder and thinks Scott will be back
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=39597&sc=145

I had to post the PIC cause I know you all love the shirts :sarcasm:

If Selanne is the heart of your team, then Niedermeyer is its brain. Without him, I'm not so sure you win the Cup this year. Players like him that make everyone around him better are a rarity and if the organization loses him, I'm not sure you can replace him, at least not in this offseason.

If my dad retired at 33 (with me being 9 years old) I would have loved it! He would have dropped me off and picked me up from school everyday and instead of waiting for him to come home at 6:00 I could have hung out with him playing ball or hockey all day and weekend.


That's what friends are forrrrrrr......keep smilin!

:amazed: He's still young and at the top of his game. This would be a big blow to the NHL to lose a player of his ability. Who's the last NHL elite player to go out at the peak of his career? I really can't think of one. I mean, don't all the hockey players LOVE the game and can't imagine themselves doing anything else? That's what they all say, unless he has some sort of strange hidden disease or injury we don't know about.

Mario and Lafleur retired young and then came back 4 years later. They had nagging injuries but they could have just taken off half a year or a full year. But they decided they missed it too much and returned.

Jordan retired from basketball young (twice) and then came back.

I know what you're saying, but to be honest, there's always a reason to change something. Glen Sather always tinkered with his Oiler dynasty, because it ensured that the new blood would keep the hunger for the Cup high, and energize the rest of the team. I don't think this team is any different, and I'd expect that even if Selanne and Niedermayer return, SOMETHING will be done to shake it up a bit.

Glen Sather kept facing salary issues and players wanting more money and the Oilers owner wanting to sell off his players for cash and so he didn't have to pay the big bucks. Exit Coffey, Gretzky, Kurri, Anderson, Fuhr and Messier.

If both Selanne and S. Niedermayer call it quits, than trading for Jovo would be a good way to get Bertuzzi to sign on the cheap. Burke, Jovo, and Big Bert back together again. Both players are certainly downgrades, but Anaheim would be an even tougher, even more physically imposing team. Phoenix needs a goalie, and you guys have two. Bryzgalov and a salary dump (R. Niedermayer,maybe?) for Jovo and a more affordable checker (K. Adams, maybe?) would have me bouncing off the walls. I'm sure most Ducks fans would be furious, though.

Damn, I guess I had SOMETHING going here. You did sign a Nieds replacement, and you did sign Bert. Too damn bad you guys didn't take Jovo off our hands and send us Bryz. We could've really used that guy.

I didn't even want to do the Adams/R. Niedermayer part. I just thought it would've be necassary for salary reasons. I guess not.

DAMN.