Ducks D Niedermayer fined $500,000

Apr 21, 2008 - 9:13 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Anaheim Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer was fined $500,000 for missing training camp, according to a report in the New York Post on Monday.

Pondering retirement after the Ducks won the Stanley Cup at the end of the 2006-07 campaign, Niedermayer decided to return to the Ducks, making his debut on December 15 this season.

But according to the newspaper, the league has invoked an article in the collective bargaining agreement that states, "For each day a player does not report to training camp without his club's permission, his pay will be reduced by 1/275th of his annual salary."

The reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Niedermayer had a salary of $6.75 million this season.

Anaheim general manager Brian Burke is reportedly trying to get the fine reversed and had defended the delay on Niedermayer's decision to play this season.

"(Niedermayer) earned the right to take time in making a decision, one that was clearly difficult for him," Burke said on December 5.

The 16-year veteran had eight goals and 17 assists this season for the Ducks, who were eliminated in the Western Conference playoffs by Dallas on Monday.

The Post is reporting that a resolution on the matter is expected within the next two weeks.