The Ducks made it official today, announcing that defenseman Scott Niedermayer will return to the team for 2008-09 NHL season.
“It’s no secret what Scotty has meant to this organization over the past three years,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke. “Needless to say, we are thrilled he’s returning to play for the upcoming season.”
Niedermayer has won four Stanley Cup championships and is the only player in hockey history to have won a Stanley Cup, Olympic Gold Medal, World Championship, World Cup, Memorial Cup and World Junior title. He helped lead the Ducks to their first Stanley Cup title in 2007, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.
A native of Cranbrook, British Columbia, Niedermayer has appeared in 209 games with Anaheim since signing as a free agent on Aug. 4, 2005, collecting 36-121=157 points with a +12 rating and 198 penalty minutes (PIM). A James Norris Trophy winner as the most valuable defenseman in 2004, the 34-year-old blueliner has been named to five NHL All-Star teams during his 17-year career. Since making his NHL debut in 1991-92, Niedermayer has scored 148-485=633 points with a +184 rating and 676 PIM in 1,101 career NHL games.
While his prolonged retirement decision in 2007-08 limited Niedermayer to just 48 games played, the 34-year-old was named to his fifth All-Star Game while accumulating 25 points on the year. From the time of his return through the end of the regular season, the 15-year veteran guided the Ducks to the best record in the NHL (32-12-4).
“I had a great time last season after returning to the team,” said Niedermayer. “I’m excited about having another opportunity to win, and fully expect this team to be competing for another Stanley Cup next spring."
Niedermayer spoke to the media via conference call Thursday afternoon.
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