Scott Niedermayer tells Anaheim Ducks he plans to return next season

Scott Niedermayer tells Ducks he’ll be back

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Scott Niedermayer has told the Anaheim Ducks he intends to return next season.

The defenseman, who turns 36 in August, informed general manager Bob Murray of his decision Thursday evening. Murray called Niedermayer “irreplaceable” after the Ducks were eliminated by Detroit in the second round of this season’s playoffs.

A Ducks spokesman said the team hopes to sign Niedermayer to a new contract soon.