Schneider for Niedermayer?

By Rich Hammond on July 1, 2007 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) |

Certainly looks that way. Here's the statement just released by Ducks GM Brian Burke:

``Scott Niedermayer has informed me that he is leaning toward retirement,” said Burke. “Typical of his character and leadership, he made the call this morning in order to allow us to make alternative plans in the event he does not return. Although he has not retired and would be welcomed back, we felt adding another top NHL defenseman was critical to defending our championship. Mathieu Schneider fits into that category and will be a great addition to our team.''

Also seems that Niedermayer will be on a conference call later, so...well, you can see where this one is headed.

2 Comments

PuckHead27 said:

That's what I figured as soon as I heard they signed Schneider. If Niedermayer decides to play another year, WOW!!

July 1, 2007 2:33 PM

Aaron DeVandry said:

$11.25M for 2 years is a LOT of money for Schneider. Way too much. I don't mind though, 'cause it's the Ducks we're talking about here.

July 1, 2007 2:36 PM

J.P. Hoornstra writes about NHL and IHL hockey for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. He welcomes any and all dialogue on the finer points of hockey. E-mail J.P. at jp.hoornstra
@inlandnewspapers.com.

Jill Painter joined the Daily News in 2000 and during the last eight years she's covered the Dodgers, Cal State Northridge, UCLA, Kings, golf and everything in between. Even though she's from Colorado, she still freezes in the Staples Center press box but always manages to thaw her fingers in time to make deadline. E-mail Jill at jill.painter@dailynews
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