Scott Niedermayer

Niedermayer was born in Edmonton, Alberta, but spent the first three years of his life in Cassiar, British Columbia before his family settled in Cranbrook, British Columbia.{{cite web |last=Paterson |first=Jeff |url=https://www.straight.com/article-288498/vancouver/bcs-captain-keeps-his-cool |title=B.C.'s captain Scott Niedermayer keeps his cool on the eve of the Olympics |work=The Georgia Straight |date=2012-04-25 |access-date=2013-07-05 |archive-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054132/https://www.straight.com/article-288498/vancouver/bcs-captain-keeps-his-cool |url-status=live }} His father, Bob, was a doctor in Cassiar and then Cranbrook, and his mother Carol was a teacher.{{cite magazine |last=Callahan |first=Gerry |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1996/01/08/true-family-values-brothers-scott-and-rob-niedermayer-are-two-of-the-most-productive-young-assets-in-the-nhl |title=Family values |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=1996-01-08 |access-date=2023-02-20}} He has a younger brother, Rob.{{cite news |last=McEvoy |first=Colin |title=The Ultimate Sibling Rivalry: 8 Sets of Brothers Who Faced Off in Sports Championships |work=Biography |date=February 9, 2023 |url=https://www.biography.com/athletes/a42805051/brothers-who-have-faced-off-in-championships |accessdate=February 12, 2023}}{{cite web |url=http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=14979 |title=Rob Niedermayer profile |publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame |access-date=2013-07-05 |archive-date=May 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515045740/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=14979 |url-status=live }}

Scott and his brother were inseparable when they were younger and often played hockey together. While their father was often their team doctor, their mother taught them to skate. She enrolled them in figure skating to aid their skills development and taught power skating classes in Cranbrook in exchange for ice time for her sons. An offensive defenceman, Scott led his Cranbrook midget team in scoring with 55 goals and 92 points in 1988–89.{{cite web |last=McGourty |first=John |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=532328 |title=Scott Niedermayer retires after brilliant career |publisher=National Hockey League |date=2010-06-22 |access-date=2013-07-05 |archive-date=June 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624080411/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=532328 |url-status=live }}

Niedermayer played three seasons of junior hockey with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) between 1989 and 1992.{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Adam |url=http://hockeynow.ca/posts/43398-whl-s-kamloops-blazers-retire-scott-niedermayer-s-no-28 |title=WHL's Kamloops Blazers retire Scott Niedermayer's No. 28 |work=Hockey Now |date=2013-01-28 |access-date=2013-07-05}} He recorded 69 points in 64 games in his first season, 1989–90,{{cite web |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8458517 |title=Scott Niedermayer player card |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=2013-07-05 |archive-date=May 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502190758/http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8458517 |url-status=live }} and helped the Blazers win the President's Cup as WHL champions.{{cite book|editor-last=Flett |editor-first=Cory |editor-last2=Watts |editor-first2=Jessie |title=2009–10 WHL Guide |publisher=Western Hockey League |year=2009 |page=175}} The Blazers advanced to the 1990 Memorial Cup as the top ranked team in Canada, but disappointed in the tournament by losing all three games.{{cite book |last1=Lapp |first1=Richard |last2=Macaulay |first2=Alec |title=The Memorial Cup: Canada's National Junior Hockey Championship |publisher=Harbour Publishing |year=1997 |isbn=1-55017-170-4 |pages=242–243}} Niedermayer earned several accolades in 1990–91. He scored 26 goals and 82 points in 57 games to earn a place on the Western Conference All-Star team. Additionally, he was named the recipient of the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Trophy as the WHL's scholastic player of the year and won the Canadian Hockey League Scholastic Player of the Year award.

A top prospect for the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, Niedermayer was selected in the first round, third overall, by the New Jersey Devils.{{cite news |last=Dellapina |first=John |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22590438.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082010/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22590438.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=No surprises among draft selections |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=1991-06-23 |access-date=2013-07-05}} He began the 1991–92 season with New Jersey as the team wanted him to experience the NHL before being returned to Kamloops. After sitting out the Devils first five games, Niedermayer made his NHL debut on October 16, 1991, against the New York Rangers.{{cite news |last=Dellapina |first=John |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22601390.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082052/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22601390.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=A first for Niedermayer |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=1991-10-17 |access-date=2013-07-05 }} He appeared in four games with the Devils, recording one assist, before he was sent back to junior.{{cite web |last=Kimelman |first=Adam |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=675222 |title=Best pick at No. 3: Scott Niedermayer, Devils |publisher=National Hockey League |date=2013-06-28 |access-date=2013-07-05 |archive-date=June 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630051513/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=675222 |url-status=live }} Though he appeared in only 35 games in the 1991–92 WHL season, Niedermayer's 39 points were enough to earn him a second berth on the West All-Star team. After losing in the Western Conference Final the previous season, the Blazers rebounded to win their second WHL championship in three years in 1992.{{cite book|editor-last=Flett |editor-first=Cory |editor-last2=Watts |editor-first2=Jessie |title=2009–10 WHL Guide |publisher=Western Hockey League |year=2009 |pages=173–174}} Niedermayer tied for third place in playoff scoring with 23 points.{{cite book|editor-last=Flett |editor-first=Cory |editor-last2=Watts |editor-first2=Jessie |title=2009–10 WHL Guide |publisher=Western Hockey League |year=2009 |page=173}} At the 1992 Memorial Cup, he scored seven points in five games to lead the Blazers to the national championship.{{cite book |last1=Lapp |first1=Richard |last2=Macaulay |first2=Alec |title=The Memorial Cup: Canada's National Junior Hockey Championship |publisher=Harbour Publishing |year=1997 |isbn=1-55017-170-4 |page=254}} He was voted the recipient of the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player of the Memorial Cup.

Niedermayer joined the Devils full-time in 1992–93. He scored his first NHL goal on November 8, 1992, against goaltender Brian Hayward in a 6–1 victory over the San Jose Sharks.{{cite news |last=Dellapina |first=John |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22652332.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082019/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22652332.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Devils can't find balance on western trip |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=1992-11-09 |access-date=2013-07-06 }} Overall, Niedermayer appeared in 80 games, scoring 11 goals and 40 points and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team on defence. Niedermayer improved to 48 points in 1993–94, and added 4 points in 20 playoff games as the Devils reached the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers, a series they lost in seven games.{{cite news |last=Grove |first=Bob |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KK1dAAAAIBAJ&pg=2242,311287 |title=Face it: Rangers deserve the Cup |work=Observer-Reporter |location=Greene County, Pennsylvania |date=1994-06-02 |access-date=2013-07-05 |page=C1 |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001306/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KK1dAAAAIBAJ&pg=2242%2C311287 |url-status=live }} The Devils made another long playoff run in the lockout-shortened 1994–95 season, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history.{{cite news |last=Yannis |first=Alex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/26/sports/1995-stanley-cup-champions-devils-elder-statesmen-enjoy-these-better-days.html |title=Devils' elder statesemen enjoy these better days |work=New York Times |date=1995-06-26 |access-date=2013-07-06 |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209100407/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/26/sports/1995-stanley-cup-champions-devils-elder-statesmen-enjoy-these-better-days.html |url-status=live }} Niedermayer scored 11 points in 20 playoff games, including a key goal in game two of the Final as the Devils won the Stanley Cup with a four-game sweep of the Detroit Red Wings.{{cite news |last=Yannis |first=Alex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/21/sports/1995-stanley-cup-finals-dowd-s-winner-makes-lemaire-look-psychic.html |title=Dowd's winner makes Lemaire look psychic |work=New York Times |date=1995-06-21 |access-date=2013-07-06 |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209044540/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/21/sports/1995-stanley-cup-finals-dowd-s-winner-makes-lemaire-look-psychic.html |url-status=live }}

A 33-point season followed for Niedermayer in 1995–96, but the Devils became the first defending champion in 26 years to miss the playoffs.{{cite news |last=Yannis |first=Alex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/14/sports/hockey-the-devils-playoff-chase-ends-with-a-whimper.html |title=The Devils' Playoff Chase Ends With a Whimper |work=New York Times |date=1996-04-14 |access-date=2013-07-06 |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209100157/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/14/sports/hockey-the-devils-playoff-chase-ends-with-a-whimper.html |url-status=live }} After a 35-point season in 1996–97, Niedermayer's best statistical season in New Jersey came in 1997–98 with a 14-goal, 57-point campaign. He played in his first NHL All-Star Game, scoring a goal,{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-5233292.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082040/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-5233292.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Goals come fast and furious in All-Star Game |work=The Columbian|location=Vancouver, Washington |date=1998-01-19 |access-date=2013-07-06 }} and was named to the NHL's Second All-Star team at the season's end. After finishing second in league scoring amongst defencemen, despite playing in New Jersey's stifling defensive system that suppresses offence,{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-19491688.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082046/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-19491688.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=IHL's Utah Grizzlies sign disgruntled Devil Niedermayer |agency=Associated Press |date=1998-10-20 |access-date=2013-07-06 }} Niedermayer demanded a significant raise. He rejected an offer that would have paid him a base salary of $3.25 million and, unable to come to terms before the start of the 1998–99 season, began the year as a holdout.{{cite news |last=Czerwinski |first=Mark J. |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22442513.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082036/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22442513.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Hard to feel sorry for Niedermayer |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=1998-10-26 |access-date=2013-07-06 }} As the dispute dragged into the season, he joined the Utah Grizzlies of the International Hockey League (IHL). After missing the first month of the NHL season, Niedermayer and the Devils finally agreed to a multi-year contract, the terms of which were not released.{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-19497980.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082005/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-19497980.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Scott Niedermayer signs multi-year deal with Devils |agency=Associated Press |date=1998-10-31 |access-date=2013-07-06 }} He appeared in 71 games with the Devils that season, recording 46 points.

Late in the 1999–2000 season, Niedermayer was involved in a violent incident with Peter Worell of the Florida Panthers. After being elbowed by Worell, Niedermayer responded by swinging his stick at his opponent's head. Worell suffered a concussion and missed six games, while Niedermayer was suspended for ten games – nine in the regular season, and New Jersey's first playoff game.{{cite news |last=Canavan |first=Tom |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-25861057.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513081958/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-25861057.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Devils' Niedermayer To Return |agency=Associated Press |date=2000-04-14 |access-date=2013-07-06 }} After returning from his ban, Niedermayer's steady defensive contributions in the playoffs helped the Devils win their second Stanley Cup by defeating the Dallas Stars in six games in the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals.{{cite news |last=Czerwinski |first=Mark J. |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-26955595.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082029/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-26955595.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Niedermayer does the little things |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=2000-06-05 |access-date=2013-07-06 }} While celebrating his day with the Cup, Niedermayer took the trophy to Fisher Peak, overlooking his hometown of Cranbrook and was famously pictured hoisting it over his head.{{cite news |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-43736653.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082033/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-43736653.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Niedermayer set to climb a mountain |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=2001-04-26 |access-date=2013-07-06 }}

File:S. Niedermayer retirement.jpg

The expiration of his contract following the season resulted in another lengthy dispute with the Devils. While he wanted a contract similar to the $5.3 million per season average the top ten paid defencemen in the league made, the Devils offered a deal with a base salary of $3.5 million.{{cite news |last=Czerwinski |first=Mark J. |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-32192222.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082057/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-32192222.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Niedermayer wants his due from Devils |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=2000-09-19 |access-date=2013-07-06 }} He was again a holdout at the start of the 2000–01 season, and missed nearly two months of play before finally agreeing to a four-year, $16 million contract.{{cite news |last=Czerwinski |first=Mark J. |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-37266433.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082000/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-37266433.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Devils' cold war is over |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey) |date=2000-11-20 |access-date=2013-07-06 }} Niedermayer recorded 35 points in 57 games and played in his second All-Star Game. Late in game four of New Jersey's first round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Niedermayer was knocked unconscious by a vicious elbow from Toronto's Tie Domi. Niedermayer later claimed that Domi had threatened to retaliate against him over a previous hit earlier in the series.{{cite news |last=Wawrow |first=John |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-44068166.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082021/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-44068166.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Niedermayer accuses Domi of threat |agency=Associated Press |date=2001-05-08 |access-date=2013-07-06 }} Domi apologized for the incident, calling it a "stupid reaction", but was suspended for the remainder of the 2001 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-44000363.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082043/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-44000363.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Domi apologizes for Niedermayer hit |agency=Associated Press |date=2001-05-05 |access-date=2013-07-06 }} New Jersey reached the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals, but lost the series to the Colorado Avalanche in seven games.{{cite news |last=Stevenson |first=Chris |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/2001/playoffs/news/2001/06/09/avs_devils_ap/ |title=Mission complete |publisher=CNN/SI |date=2001-06-09 |access-date=2013-07-07 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111002605/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/2001/playoffs/news/2001/06/09/avs_devils_ap/ |url-status=dead }}

Niedermayer missed several games early in the 2001–02 season due to back pain,{{cite news |last=Czerwinski |first=Mark J. |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-48253736.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308203925/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-48253736.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-03-08 |title=Niedermayer hoping to play |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=2001-11-15 |access-date=2013-07-07 }} and his 33 points on the season was his lowest in six seasons. Niedermayer and the Devils reached their fourth Stanley Cup Finals in 2002–03. The series was a family affair, as Scott's brother Rob was a member of the opposing Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. When asked, their mother admitted she was hoping Rob's Mighty Ducks would win as Scott already had two championships to his name.{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/26/cup_notebook_ap/ |title=Carol Niedermayer backs Rob over Scott in finals |publisher=CNN/SI |date=2003-05-26 |access-date=2013-07-07 |archive-date=August 3, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040803105931/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/2003/playoffs/news/2003/05/26/cup_notebook_ap/ |url-status=dead }} Scott dashed his brother and mother's hopes, recording two assists in the deciding seventh game to lead the Devils to a 3–0 victory, and win his third Stanley Cup.{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/2003/playoffs/news/2003/06/09/niedermayer_brothers_ap/ |title=Big brother wins out |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=2003-06-09 |access-date=2013-08-03 |archive-date=November 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114062124/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/2003/playoffs/news/2003/06/09/niedermayer_brothers_ap/ |url-status=dead }}

File:Scott Hannan and Scott Niedermayer.jpg of the San Jose Sharks in his first season in Anaheim.]]

Niedermayer cemented his reputation as an elite NHL defenceman in 2003–04, earning praise from both teammates and opponents for his play throughout the season.{{cite news |last=Hradek |first=E.J. |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=hradek_ej&id=1750198 |title=Noticing Niedermayer not impossible |publisher=ESPN |date=2004-03-04 |access-date=2013-07-07 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604130348/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=hradek_ej&id=1750198 |url-status=live }} Injuries to fellow defencemen Scott Stevens and Brian Rafalski resulted in Niedermayer averaging over 25 minutes of ice time per game, sometimes topping 30, and he temporarily inherited the Devils' captaincy from Stevens. Offensively, Niedermayer posted his second career 50-point season, finishing with 14 goals and 40 assists. He played in his third All-Star Game and was named a First Team All-Star for the first time. After finishing second in league scoring amongst defencemen, recording a plus-minus rating of +20 and leading the Devils to a modern NHL record low 164 goals against, Niedermayer was voted the winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league's top defenceman.

Upon the expiration of his previous contract, Niedermayer was again a restricted free agent, and he again endured a difficult negotiation with the Devils, even after he changed agents.{{cite news |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-96260598.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092736/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-96260598.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-03-04 |title=Niedermayer negotiations stalled |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=2004-07-09 |access-date=2013-07-07 }} Initially demanding a five-year, $45 million contract, Niedermayer chose to go to arbitration. He was awarded a one-year contract for the 2004–05 season, and the $7 million salary he was given tied John LeClair's award in 2000 as the highest ever given in arbitration.{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-97573636.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130708060942/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-97573636.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-07-08 |title=Niedermayer awarded $7m |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=2004-08-14 |access-date=2013-07-07 }} However, the contract was wiped out when the entire season was cancelled as a result of the 2004–05 NHL lockout.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=1992793 |title=Lockout over salary cap shuts down NHL |publisher=ESPN |date=2005-02-16 |access-date=2013-07-07 |archive-date=September 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915180801/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=1992793 |url-status=live }}

File:Snieds-ducks.jpg

As an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2005, Niedermayer was in considerable demand; 14 teams contacted his agent on the first day they were allowed to talk to him.{{cite news |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-111754093.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081605/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-111754093.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-03-04 |title=Niedermayer in great demand |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=2005-08-02 |access-date=2013-07-08 }} The Devils offered him a five-year contract that would have paid him $7.8 million per season, the maximum allowed under the new salary cap, but Niedermayer chose instead to sign a four-year contract worth $6.75 million per season with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.{{cite news |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-111872300.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409174203/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-111872300.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-04-09 |title=Ducking out |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=2005-08-05 |access-date=2013-07-08 }} He chose to take the shorter term and lower salary to play and try to win a Stanley Cup with his brother.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2124267 |title=Niedermayer to join brother in Anaheim |publisher=ESPN |date=2005-08-05 |access-date=2013-07-08 |archive-date=December 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204170905/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2124267 |url-status=live }} The Ducks immediately named Scott the team's captain.{{cite news |last=Perez |first=A.J. |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9086411.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307170503/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9086411.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-03-07 |title=New look, new style changes expected to make Ducks more exciting |work=Daily News|location=Los Angeles) |date=2005-10-04 |access-date=2013-07-08 }} In his first season in Anaheim, 2005–06, Niedermayer scored 63 points and was named a First Team All-Star for the second time. In the playoffs, the Ducks reached the Western Conference Final, but were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Beth |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-23305142.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307212202/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-23305142.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-03-07 |title=Oilers block out Mighty Ducks' bid |work=The Columbian|location=Vancouver, Washington |date=2006-05-28 |access-date=2013-07-08 }}

Joined on Anaheim's blueline by Chris Pronger, Niedermayer helped the Ducks set franchise records in 2006–07 for most wins (48) and points (110).{{cite news |last=Teaford |first=Elliott |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9115617.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082105/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9115617.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Defensive presence Pronger, Niedermayer put teeth in the Ducks' blue line |work=Daily News|location=Los Angeles) |date=2007-05-10 |access-date=2013-07-08 }} Both were named finalists for the Norris Trophy, but lost to Detroit's Nicklas Lidström.{{cite news |last=Hornsby |first=Lance |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Awards/2007/06/15/4263333-sun.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130709004708/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Awards/2007/06/15/4263333-sun.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 9, 2013 |title=Sid and Marty show |publisher=Sun Media |date=2007-06-15 |access-date=2013-07-08}} Individually, Niedermayer played his 1,000th career game, against the Edmonton Oilers on November 28, 2006.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Terry |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Jones/2006/11/29/2545640-sun.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130804060824/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Jones/2006/11/29/2545640-sun.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=August 4, 2013 |title=Comrie, Poti, Arnott had it worse when they were Oilers |work=Edmonton Sun |date=2006-11-29 |access-date=2013-08-03}} He set career highs of 15 goals, 54 assists and 69 points during the regular season and was named a First Team All-Star. He added 11 points in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs, and was named recipient of the Conn Smythe Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player of the post-season after leading Anaheim to the franchise's first championship in a five-game series victory over the Ottawa Senators in the final.{{cite news |last=Teaford |first=Elliott |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9118341.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082101/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9118341.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Ducks won title the old-fashioned way, now questions surround Selanne, Giguere |work=Daily News|location=Los Angeles |date=2006-06-08 |access-date=2013-07-08 }} As team captain, Niedermayer was the first player given the chance to hoist the Stanley Cup. He passed the trophy to his brother; it was Rob's first championship victory. Of the moment, Scott stated: "You don't really dream of passing it to your brother. I never have. To be able to do that is definitely a highlight of my career."{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/playoffs2007/news/story?id=2896063 |title=Niedermayer wins first career Conn Smythe |publisher=ESPN |date=2007-06-07 |access-date=2013-07-08 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111004015/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2007/news/story?id=2896063 |url-status=live }}

Coming off his fourth championship, the 34-year-old Niedermayer contemplated retirement.{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1Y1-111156479.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209152042/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1Y1-111156479.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2017-12-09 |title=Niedermayer, Selanne unsure on retiring |agency=Associated Press |date=2007-10-11 |access-date=2013-07-08 }} Remaining undecided on his future as the 2007–08 season began, he failed to report to the team and was suspended by the Ducks as a formality.{{cite news |last=Hammond |first=Rich |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-24986608.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308233759/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-24986608.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-03-08 |title=Niedermayer remains a sitting Duck captain, Selanne unsure of returns |work=Daily News|location=Los Angeles) |date=2007-09-07 }} Pronger replaced him as captain, and Niedermayer remained undecided until early December when he finally chose to return.{{cite news |last=Resnick |first=Joe |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D8TBN7501.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130709013306/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D8TBN7501.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-07-09 |title=Niedermayer to rejoin Ducks |agency=Associated Press |date=2007-12-06 |access-date=2013-07-08 }} He appeared in only 48 games that season, scoring 25 points, but played in his fourth All-Star Game.

After the Ducks were eliminated in the first round of the 2008 playoffs, he again contemplated retirement, but quickly made the decision to return for the 2008–09 season.{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D91I181O0.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082026/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D91I181O0.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Niedermayer puts retirement on hold, back to Ducks |agency=Associated Press |date=2008-06-26 |access-date=2013-07-08 }} He regained captaincy of the Ducks,{{cite news |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=251961 |title=Ducks name veteran Niedermayer team captain |publisher=The Sports Network |date=2008-10-07 |access-date=2013-07-08 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111000816/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=251961 |url-status=live }} and played in his fifth All-Star Game during the season in which he scored 59 points in 82 games. In what proved to be his final season, 2009–10, Niedermayer scored 48 points in 80 games. He announced his retirement as a player on June 22, 2010, but remained with the Ducks organization as a consultant to general manager Bob Murray.{{cite news |last=Resnick |first=Joe |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=325372 |title=Defenceman Niedermayer announces retirement |publisher=The Sports Network |date=2010-06-22 |access-date=2013-07-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111000739/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=325372 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} He turned to coaching in 2012–13 season, serving as a special assignment coach with the Ducks.{{cite news |url=http://ducks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=649834 |title=Ducks name Scott Niedermayer assistant coach |publisher=Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club |date=2013-01-11 |access-date=2013-07-15 |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116094621/http://ducks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=649834 |url-status=live }}

Niedermayer enjoyed a long and successful international career, winning championships at all levels.{{cite web |url=http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/32761/scott-niedermayer-2/ |title=2012 inductee – Scott Niedermayer |publisher=Canada's Sports Hall of Fame |access-date=2013-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111010132/http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/32761/scott-niedermayer-2/ |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} He made his international debut as a 17-year-old with the Canadian junior team at the 1991 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.{{cite book |editor-last=Podnieks |editor-first=Andrew |title=IIHF Guide & Record Book 2012 |year=2011 |publisher=International Ice Hockey Federation |isbn=978-0-7710-9598-6 |page=501}} He appeared in three games as Team Canada used a late goal by John Slaney in the final game of the tournament, against the Soviet Union, to win the gold medal.{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/world_jrs/feature/?fid=989 |title=1991 – Saskatoon, Canada |publisher=The Sports Network |access-date=2013-07-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124220321/http://www2.tsn.ca/world_jrs/feature/?fid=989 |archive-date=November 24, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} He returned for the 1992 tournament, one which The Sports Network described as one of the most disappointing in Canadian history, as the team finished sixth in the eight team event.{{cite news |url=https://www.tsn.ca/world_jrs/feature/?fid=3804 |title=1992 – Fussen, Germany |publisher=The Sports Network |access-date=2013-07-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124174155/http://www2.tsn.ca/world_jrs/feature/?fid=3804 |archive-date=November 24, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

Four years later, in 1996, Niedermayer first joined the senior team at the inaugural World Cup of Hockey. He had a goal and three assists in eight games, but Canada lost the championship final to the United States.{{cite news |last=Kekis |first=John |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-156907745.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130709023924/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-156907745.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-07-09 |title=U.S. wins World Cup; Richter's goaltending frustrates Canada |work=Albany Times Union |date=1996-09-15 |access-date=2013-07-08 }} Niedermayer next made his Olympic debut in 2002. He appeared in six games, and helped Canada defeat the United States, 5–2 in the final as the country won its first Olympic gold medal in hockey in 50 years.{{cite magazine |last=Kennedy |first=Kostya |title=The pride of Canada |magazine=Sports Illustrated |year=2002 |page=72}}

Gold medal victories followed in 2004 as Niedermayer scored five points in nine games at the World Championship then added two points in six games at the World Cup of Hockey. In the latter event, Niedermayer scored a goal in the championship game, a 3–2 victory over Finland.{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/extra/hockeyworldcup/boxscore?&key=20040914WCHCANADAFINLAND0 |title=Canada 3, Finland 2 |publisher=ESPN |date=2004-09-14 |access-date=2013-07-08 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111004443/http://sports.espn.go.com/extra/hockeyworldcup/boxscore?&key=20040914WCHCANADAFINLAND0 |url-status=dead }} He was set to make his second Olympic appearance in 2006, however a knee injury suffered during NHL play that required surgery forced him to withdraw from the tournament.{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-118303288.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082055/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-118303288.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Canadian defenseman Scott Niedermayer to miss Olympics |agency=Associated Press |date=2006-02-09 |access-date=2013-07-08}}

Niedermayer's final international competition came at the 2010 Olympics, four months before his retirement as a player. He was named captain of the team for the tournament that was held in his home province, in Vancouver.{{cite news |last=LaRose |first=Jason |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2010-oly-021-en |title=Captain Canada comes home |publisher=Hockey Canada |date=2010-02-22 |access-date=2013-07-08 |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804214053/http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2010-oly-021-en |url-status=live }} He led Canada to the gold medal, culminating in a 3–2 overtime win over the United States.{{cite news |last=Willes |first=Ed |url=http://www.canada.com/sports/2010wintergames/Niedermayer+visualized+golden+moment/2625423/story.html |title=Niedermayer visualized golden moment |publisher=Canwest Media |date=2010-02-28 |access-date=2013-07-08 |archive-date=October 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030191949/http://www.canada.com/sports/2010wintergames/Niedermayer+visualized+golden+moment/2625423/story.html |url-status=live }}

File:Scott Niedermayer-2006awards.jpg

An offensively-minded defenceman, Niedermayer was best known for his skating ability and drew comparison's to the game's offensive greats from the time he broke into the NHL.{{cite news |last=Hirsch |first=Steve |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22395442.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082012/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22395442.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Niedermayer never lets his defense rest |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=1997-05-07 |access-date=2013-07-15 }} He was compared to Paul Coffey for his ability to take the puck from his own goal line and convert a defensive situation into an offensive rush.{{cite news |last=Kelley |first=Jim |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-22736226.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082049/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-22736226.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Niedermayer ices Coffey on goal |work=The Buffalo News |date=1995-06-21 |access-date=2013-07-15 }} He often chafed at playing within the Devils' defence-oriented system, feeling it restricted his offensive creativity, but also admitted that he learned to place greater emphasis on his defence and develop his overall game. Niedermayer earned a reputation for inconsistency early in his career. He often played his best games against top opposition, but his failure to consistently apply his skills against all opposition occasionally frustrated his teammates and left his coaches lamenting that he was a player capable of being dominant but often was not.{{cite news |last=czerwinski |first=Mark J. |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-24959781.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082016/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-24959781.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=Not-so-great Scott |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, New Jersey |date=2000-02-13 |access-date=2013-07-15}} By the end of his career however, and following his Norris Trophy win in 2004, Niedermayer was regarded as one of the top offensive defencemen of his generation and as one of the game's greatest winners.{{cite news |last=Beacham |first=Greg |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D9GGH18O0.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513082024/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D9GGH18O0.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-05-13 |title=AP Source: Niedermayer to announce retirement |agency=Associated Press |date=2010-06-22 |access-date=2013-07-15 }} Niedermayer and former Ducks teammate Corey Perry are the only players in hockey history to win every major contemporary North American and International Competitive titles: the Memorial Cup, World Junior championship, Stanley Cup, World Championship, World Cup and Olympic Games.

Niedermayer has been honoured on several occasions. The New Jersey Devils retired his jersey number 27 in 2011,{{cite news |last=Rosen |first=Dan |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=606877 |title=Devils retire Scott Niedermayer's No. 27 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=2011-12-16 |access-date=2013-07-15 |archive-date=May 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513121810/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=606877 |url-status=live }} and the Kamloops Blazers retired the number 28 he wore in junior in 2013.{{cite news |last=Pagé |first=Josh |url=http://www.cbc.ca/kamloops/mt/2013/01/25/scott-niedermayers-number-is-up/ |title=Scott Niedermayer's number is up |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=2013-01-25 |access-date=2013-07-15 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203102123/http://www.cbc.ca/kamloops/mt/2013/01/25/scott-niedermayers-number-is-up/ |url-status=live }} He has been inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.{{cite web |url=http://www.bchhf.com/Scott%20Niedermayer.htm |title=Scott Niedermayer – player |publisher=BC Hockey Hall of Fame |date=2013-07-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020004/http://www.bchhf.com/Scott%20Niedermayer.htm |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} Niedermayer was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of its 2013 class, and was inducted on November 11, 2013.{{cite news |last=Shoalts |first=David |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/chelios-niedermayer-shanahan-to-enter-hockey-hall-of-fame/article13095389/ |title=Chelios, Niedermayer and Shanahan to enter Hockey Hall of Fame |work=The Globe and Mail |location=Toronto |date=2013-07-09 |access-date=2013-07-15 |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001307/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/chelios-niedermayer-shanahan-to-enter-hockey-hall-of-fame/article13095389/ |url-status=live }}

Niedermayer and his wife Lisa have four sons.{{cite news |last=Virgen |first=Steve |url=http://articles.dailypilot.com/2012-03-30/sports/tn-dpt-0331-spneidermayer-20120330_1_honda-center-scott-niedermayer-ducks |title=Q&A with Scott Niedermayer |work=The Daily Pilot |location=Costa Mesa, California |date=2012-03-30 |access-date=2013-07-17 |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023111655/http://articles.dailypilot.com/2012-03-30/sports/tn-dpt-0331-spneidermayer-20120330_1_honda-center-scott-niedermayer-ducks |url-status=dead }} The family resides in Penticton, British Columbia, but often returns to Cranbrook, where they spent the off-seasons while he was playing.{{cite news |url=http://olympic.ca/team-canada/scott-niedermayer |title=Scott Niedermayer profile |publisher=Canadian Olympic Committee |access-date=2013-07-17 |archive-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908162614/http://olympic.ca/team-canada/scott-niedermayer/ |url-status=live }} Scott and Lisa are active in the community. They serve as honorary co-chairs of the Walk for Kids, a charity event that supports the Ronald McDonald House of Orange County,{{cite web |url=http://www.ronaldhouseoc.org/images/subpages/WFK-Sponsorship.pdf |title=Walk for Kids |publisher=Ronald McDonald House of Orange County |access-date=2013-07-17}}{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} while Scott and his brother Rob operate a hockey school in Cranbrook and established a fund that offers grants to community associations.{{cite news |last=Grant |first=Annalee |url=http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20120813/CRANBROOK0101/308139989/0/CRA |title=Niedermayers give back through foundation |work=Kamloops Daily News |date=2012-08-13 |access-date=2013-07-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130717235949/http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20120813/CRANBROOK0101/308139989/0/CRA |archive-date=July 17, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} An active environmentalist, Scott has also joined with WWF-Canada to speak out in favour of efforts to maintain British Columbia's natural wilderness.{{cite news |last=Acharya |first=Neil |url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/48757-Scott-Niedermayer-joins-WWF-in-battle-to-stop-oil-pipeline-construction-in-Western-Canada.html |title=Scott Niedermayer joins WWF in battle to stop oil pipeline construction in Western Canada |work=The Hockey News |date=2012-10-30 |access-date=2013-07-15 |archive-date=July 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721014306/http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/48757-Scott-Niedermayer-joins-WWF-in-battle-to-stop-oil-pipeline-construction-in-Western-Canada.html |url-status=live }}

File:Stanley Cup Ducks and Bush Scott Neids crop.jpg with a Ducks jersey following their 2007 championship.]]

• List of family relations in the NHL

• Statistics: {{cite web |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8458517 |title=Scott Niedermayer player card |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=2013-07-05}}

{{Reflist|2}}

• {{Ice hockey stats |nhl=8458517 |espn=670 |hockeydb=3965}}
• {{Team Canada|scott-niedermayer}}
• {{Olympics.com|scott-niedermayer|org_archive=20190830211543}}
• {{Olympedia}}

{{S-start}}

{{s-ach}}

{{Succession box| before = Martin Brodeur | title = New Jersey Devils first round draft pick | years = 1991 | after = Brian Rolston}}

{{Succession box| before = Nicklas Lidström | title = Winner of the Norris Trophy | years = 2004 | after = Nicklas Lidstrom}}

{{Succession box| before = Cam Ward | title = Winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy | years = 2007 | after = Henrik Zetterberg}}

{{s-sports}}

{{Succession box| before = Scott Stevens | title = New Jersey Devils captain | years = 2004
While Stevens was injured | after = Patrik Elias}}

{{Succession box| before = Steve Rucchin
Chris Pronger | title =Mighty Ducks of Anaheim/Anaheim Ducks captain | years = 2005–07
2008–10 | after = Chris Pronger
Ryan Getzlaf}}

{{S-end}}

{{center|Note: Scott Niedermayer served as the Devils captain for the latter half of the 2003–04 NHL season. Scott Stevens was injured and out of the lineup during that time.}}

{{Triple Gold Club}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Niedermayer, Scott}}

Category:1973 births

Category:Anaheim Ducks captains

Category:Anaheim Ducks coaches

Category:Canadian ice hockey coaches

Category:Canadian ice hockey defencemen

Category:Conn Smythe Trophy winners

Category:Hockey Hall of Fame inductees

Category:Ice hockey players at the 2002 Winter Olympics

Category:Ice hockey players at the 2010 Winter Olympics

Category:IIHF Hall of Fame inductees

Category:James Norris Memorial Trophy winners

Category:Kamloops Blazers players

Category:Living people

Category:Medalists at the 2002 Winter Olympics

Category:Medalists at the 2010 Winter Olympics

Category:Mighty Ducks of Anaheim players

Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States

Category:National Hockey League All-Stars

Category:NHL first-round draft picks

Category:National Hockey League players with retired numbers

Category:New Jersey Devils draft picks

Category:New Jersey Devils players

Category:Olympic gold medalists for Canada

Category:Olympic ice hockey players for Canada

Category:Olympic medalists in ice hockey

Category:Ice hockey people from Cranbrook, British Columbia

Category:Ice hockey people from Edmonton

Category:Stanley Cup champions

Category:Utah Grizzlies (IHL) players

Category:World Wide Fund for Nature