Ducks D Niedermayer to return

Jun 27, 2008 - 1:34 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Last summer, Scott Niedermayer contemplated retirement. A year later, the thought never entered his mind.

The Anaheim Ducks announced Thursday that the veteran defenseman, who helped lead the team to the Stanley Cup in 2007, will be returning for the 2008-09 season.

"I had a great time last season after returning to the team," the 34-year-old Niedermayer said. "I'm excited about having another opportunity to win, and fully expect the team to be competing for another Stanley Cup next spring."

After winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2007, Niedermayer did not re-sign with the Ducks but returned in mid- December after deciding he was not ready for retirement. He played in 48 games for the Ducks last season, recording eight goals and 17 assists.

"It's no secret what Scotty has meant to the organization over the past three years," Anaheim general manager Brian Burke said. "Needless to say, we are thrilled he's returning to play for the upcoming season."

Niedermayer has won four Stanley Cups, claiming three with the New Jersey Devils. He 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.

Since originally signing with the Ducks on August 4, 2005, Niedermayer has played in 209 games for the club, registering 36 goals and 121 assists. A five-time All-Star, he has 633 points in 1,101 career games.