Niedermayer wavering on decision to retire

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Anaheim Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer is considering returning to the NHL for another season.

“He’s getting cold feet,” joked his wife, Lisa, as the two stood in a parking lot in Cranbrook, Canada, where they grew up.

When asked whether he has made up his mind on what his playing future holds, last season’s Conn Smythe Trophy winner was non-committal.

“I still don’t know,” said Niedermayer, when asked if he would come back to Anaheim and, with his brother Rob, attempt to defend the Cup.

However, the All-Star blueliner admitted that he has “wavered all summer about whether to return for a 16th NHL season.”

Like when the Ducks signed unrestricted free agent defenseman Mathieu Schneider this off-season, Niedermayer said he was leaning towards retirement. But as the opening dates for NHL training camps begin to get closer, Niedermayer “has begun to think about playing again.”

One thing is for sure, though. Niedermayer has no plans to accompany the Ducks on their season-opening trip to London, England for consecutive games against the Los Angeles Kings September 29-30.

“Let’s put it this way,” said the four-time Stanley Cup winner, “there’s a bigger chance that I will play this season than go to London.”