Thursday News

Well, all is not happy in Ducks land. Coach Carlyle is questioning the passion of his players as they have not been performing up to par. I have some analysis of last nights game from AnaheimDuckFan, one preview of the team, a video of Ryan Getzlaf (brief) courtesy of Easton Sports and the Power Players pictures have been updated with the new members. The worst news is that Beauchemin is out with a sore groin.

Randy Carlyle speaks about his team - Link

The OC Register has a look at training camp and the fact the Beauchemin is out with a sore groin.

ANAHEIM — Given what had taken place the previous night at Honda Center, Thursday's events at Anaheim Ice were predictable.

Save for a brief respite for resurfacing of the rink, the Ducks spent two hours and 20 minutes on the ice, going through what Coach Randy Carlyle called a "regular" practice, a specialty-teams session and wrapping up with a demanding "conditioning skate."

Certainly such workdays aren't unheard of in training camp, but the connection to Wednesday night's lackluster 1-0, exhibition loss to the San Jose Sharks was not to be missed, either. Despite playing mostly regulars against a largely untested Sharks lineup, the Ducks generated only seven shots on goal through two periods and created precious few scoring opportunities.

All of this came only hours after Carlyle had asked for more passion from his club.

"My message is if I don't feel we're getting that necessary ingredient, we're going to have to skate more often," Carlyle said. "That's not a threat. That's the reality of it. I think it comes down to necessary mental sharpness, to prepare yourself to play to a higher level. It's our responsibility as coaches to find some catalyst to spark that."

The Ducks complete the exhibition season tonight at San Jose and Sunday against visiting Vancouver before opening the regular season Sept. 29 against the Kings in London.

"We weren't shooting the puck, driving the net and all the small things that our team is know for — battling, keeping the puck in the corners," left wing Chris Kunitz said. "I think we were a little off on timing.

"It's all work ethic."

Read the rest here - Link

MVN has a look at training camp as well

The Ducks took a break from training camp on Tuesday and returned to the practice ice today after a game against the San Jose Sharks that Coach Randy Carlyle said was lacking in passion. Carlyle was of the belief that if the guys were not doing the necessary things, then they would skate more often until they got it. His practice today was clearly a catalyst meant to spark a mental and physical discipline that he felt was lacking.

This was the first time the pared down roster practiced as one group. The defense was paired as follows: Chris Pronger and Sean O’Donnell, Aaron Rome and Joe DiPenta, Kent Huskins and Shane Hnidy, Brent Skinner and Maxim Kondratiev. Francois Beauchemin was missing from practice and reportedly has a sore groin suffered in the game against Vancouver. There is no time frame on his return at present.

Carlyle continued to try variations of his top two lines with Chris Kunitz and Andy McDonald skating with Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf skating with Bobby Ryan and Todd Bertuzzi. The desire is to have two solid scoring lines and they are still fiddling with what does and doesn’t work and with chemistry. Carlyle wishes the chemistry was instantaneous, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Todd Marchant seems destined to take Sami Pahlsson’s spot on the checking line between Travis Moen and Rob Niedermayer, based on last night’s game and today.

Read the rest here - Link

The OC Register has their take on the way the Ducks have been playing

Ducks coach Randy Carlyle spoke Wednesday morning about what he wanted to see from his team in its final three exhibition games, beginning with Wednesday night’s matchup against the San Jose Sharks at Honda Center. “Passion, grit and more overall responsibility” headed the list.

So what did Carlyle get in a 1-0 defeat, a game in which the Ducks skated pretty much the lineup they will go with in their regular-season opener Sept. 29 against the Kings in London, and the Sharks iced a mish-mash of veterans and rookies?

“I wouldn’t say I would be totally impressed with the passion that was displayed,” Carlyle said. Talk about an understatement.

“We tried at times, but we complicated things,” Carlyle said

Read the rest here - Link

The Miami Herald has picked up the Sports Network's preview of the Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim does have a few question marks heading into this season, as two big pieces of its championship squad mull over the possibility of retirement.

Scott Niedermayer, the Ducks captain since joining the team for the 2005-06 season, is still undecided about whether or not he wants to play this year. The 34-year-old defenseman would once again be considered one of the top blueliners in the league should he choose to return for another year.

The other player yet to make a final decision on his future is right wing Teemu Selanne. The 37-year-old Finn finally fulfilled a dream by winning his first Stanley Cup in 2007, and after posting 48 goals and 94 points during the regular season, it's obvious that he could still help the Ducks.

While Niedermayer is still under contract with the Ducks, Selanne is an unrestricted free agent. However, Selanne has stated that if he does decide to come back for another year it would only be to play for the Ducks.

Even if Niedermayer and Selanne decide to retire, the Ducks will still have defenseman Chris Pronger and goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere, two of the best players in the league at their respective positions. In fact, Giguere figures to be in Anaheim's plans for the foreseeable future, as he signed a multi-year contract this offseason.

Hockey has never looked this good in Southern California, and the Ducks have the talent to become a perennial Cup contender.

Read the rest here - Link

AnaheimDuckFan has her thoughts on last nights game

I hate the games where no one scores until the very end of the 60 minutes. It makes for a very long, very boring game. I was all pumped up for this game against our rivals, the San Jose Sharks. Even though there was one fight (Mo & Semenov), it was still not the best game I’ve ever seen. The Ducks showed us the same shitty skills they showed us at the beginning of last season. What a let down after suchs an amazing end to last season.

Part of the problem with the game, was the lack of SOG by either team. The Ducks had just 19, and the Sharks had 21. In defense to the Ducks, a lot of pucks were being blocked, but there was also a lot of time spent in the neutral zone.

This loss gave the Ducks there third loss at home in the pre-season, with the only two wins coming from road games. I don’t really care about the pre-season losses, as long as the Ducks get their crap together before September 29th. Maybe these sub-standard games will show Teemu Selanne & Scott Niedermayer just how much we need them, or maybe I’m just hoping!

Also what was up with the new PA announcer. He sucked...please bring back Phil...we love him and its not the same without him!!!

Read the rest here - Link

Getzlaf has a photo shoot with the new Easton Stealth S17 hockey stick

Video of Dany Heatley of the Senators, Marian Gaborik of the Wild, Zach Parise of the Devils and Ryan Getzlaf had a photo shoot. You can see Getzy toward the end. Thanks to Easton Sports PR for the info

Pictures of the 2007-2008 Power Players have been posted. See their pictures and profiles here - Link

The News Part 2 - Training Camp and Everything Else

So training camp has been going on for a week and we have some players who are not quite ready for the show.  I also have other news and analysis, events and one more fun picture.

The Ducks send some players to back to the minors.

The Ducks announced today that they have made the following roster moves:
Assigned to Portland Pirates (AHL) Training Camp:     
Bobby Bolt – Left Wing
Joe Callahan – Defenseman
Stephen Dixon – Center
Andrew Ebbett – Center
Brett Festerling – Defenseman
Shane Hynes – Right Wing
Matt Keith – Right Wing
Mike Hoffman – Right Wing
Dan LaCouture – Left Wing
Jean-Philippe Levasseur – Goaltender 
Brendan Mikkelson - Defenseman
Brian Salcido – Defenseman
Nathan Saunders – Defenseman
Clay Wilson – Left Wing
Assigned to junior team:
Matt Beleskey – Left Wing (Belleville/OHL)
Maxime Macenauer – Center (Rouyn-Noranda/QMJHL)
Eric Tangradi – Center (Belleville/OHL)

Released from pro tryout:
Tyler Bouck – Center
Anaheim now has 31 players remaining on its 2007 Training Camp Roster – 17 forwards, 10 defensemen and four goaltenders.

See the original article here - Link

Get a chance to meat the team...... for $225

Wine enthusiasts and die-hard Ducks fans will gather on October 12^th at The Cannery in Newport Beach to celebrate the 2007 Ducks Stanley Cup victory and to toast the start of the new season alongside the 2007-08 Ducks players at Meet the Team presented by OC Post.  At the scenic restaurant located on the Rhine Channel, Meet the Team presented by OC Post will feature an exclusive wine tasting in which guests will enjoy an evening socializing with the entire Ducks roster, coaches and management staff while tasting a variety of wines which are specially paired with an assortment of delicious hors d'oeuvres created by The Cannery’s nationally recognized Executive Chef, Felix Salcedo.

Read the rest here - Link

Earl Sleek over at BOC has a humorous look at the Ducks situation

Schneidermayer (noun) – a term used to refer to defenseman Mathieu Schneider in a situation where he is signed to replace the minutes of retirement-muller Scott Niedermayer.
LockoUK (noun) – a collective scheme by players to utilize whatever means necessary (surgery, injury, or possible retirement) to avoid taking intercontinental flights for regular season games in London.
I’ve been under the weather the past couple of days, but fortunately, there hasn’t been a terrible amount of Ducks news to report. Anaheim is 2-1-1 through four games this preseason, but hasn’t played a full-lineup game to really evaluate.

Read the rest here - Link

Burke get interviewed by Cam Cole

VANCOUVER — You know the kind of blissful summer that follows a Stanley Cup victory — hectic, in a good way? Things rolling along smoother, somehow, because everyone is fulfilled, and looking forward to the challenge of working together again toward the same goal. One, big happy, committed family?
Brian Burke didn’t have one of those summers. He probably wouldn’t know what to do with it if he had.
“If I complain about anything that happened this summer, someone should throw something heavy at me,” the Anaheim Ducks’ general manager said this week.
“We have no right to complain. It’s been a magical summer, it’s what we all dream about in this business. There’s been some bumps, but I’ll take the bumps. If we win again and it means more bumps, I’ll take those, too.”
Bumps, such as …
Well, all Burke lost was his most accomplished player — Conn Smythe Trophy winner and four-time Stanley Cup-winning defenceman Scott Niedermayer — and his leading scorer, Teemu Selanne, to retirement. We think.
And his second-leading goal man, Dustin Penner, to an absurd five-year, $21.25-million U.S. offer from Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe, whom Burke proceeded to call, not to put too fine a point on it, a back-stabbing sneak thief desperate to save his own sorry butt.
For the direct quote — well-rehearsed, by now — we refer you to the visiting GM’s box at GM Place, prior to Monday’s half-roster scrimmage against the Vancouver Canucks.
“I think the fans should understand, I don’t object to losing a player via an offer sheet. That’s part of the CBA,” Burke said.
“My objection is the amount of money they committed on two offer sheets (including an unsuccessful seven-year, $50-million whopper to Buffalo’s Thomas Vanek) and I think they adversely affected 30 teams including their own. And that’s the stupidity of it, from my perspective. The sheer stupidity of the two offer sheets, in my mind, comes from a general manager who is fighting desperately to justify his own existence.”
But surely, a fellow noted, the Oilers have to overpay to get free agents to play in Edmonton, which some skeptics stubbornly refuse to concede is the Paris of the prairies.
“I don’t buy that,” Burke said. “I think Edmonton is one of the great hockey cities, not just in Canada, not just in North America, but in the world. I think players would be proud to play there. I think they just don’t want to play for the current regime.”

Read the rest here - Link

Here is a great picture thanks to SCPIX.com's flickr photostream

See more picture here - Link

Part 3 - Friday News

So here is the rest of the news that is not related to Teemu Selanne or to last nights game.  I've got Stanley Cup coverage, training camp coverage and more.

Hockey Hall of Fame has updated their Stanley Cup Journal.

When you achieve a dream, you want to share it with those who helped you along the way and, as a result, will revel in your successes most. Sean's first stop was to visit his grandmother at St. Patrick's Home, a long-term care facility. The affection was evident, as Sean had long intended that should he win the Stanley Cup, he'd bring it to show his grandmother, who had encouraged him through many an early morning boyhood hockey game. "I've been coming here for 15 years," Sean mentioned. "My grandmother's here. She wouldn't be able to come to see the Cup anywhere else, so I thought I'd bring it to her. She was pretty excited about it!"

The Stanley Cup had actually arrived in Ottawa early, and O'Donnell had called to see if he could arrive a little early at St. Patrick's. "I'm sorry, but would you mind waiting for a little while? Thursdays are our bingo afternoons," he was told. Sean could only grin. "Fine, I'll see you a little later then," he responded.

At the Ottawa Hospital, even Senator fans were pleased to be greeted by O'Donnel and the Stanley Cup. (Mike Bolt/HHOF)

The Ducks' defenceman then took the Stanley Cup over to The Ottawa Hospital, where he walked the hallways visiting youngsters who were receiving treatment. The spirit of kids is amazingly resilient, and belies bandages and tubes. You wouldn't know that any of them had a care in the world when they got to see, touch and get a picture with the Stanley Cup. There's an amazing healing quality that seems to emanate from Lord Stanley's mug.

Sean then pulled up with the Stanley Cup to 24 Sussex, the well-known address of the Prime Minister of Canada. Once he was ushered in, Sean was greeted by Stephen Harper, his wife Laureen and their children Ben and Rachel. The Prime Minister greeted O'Donnell wearing a Ducks' jersey, one that been given to him during the Stanley Cup final by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Asked why he wasn't wearing an Ottawa jersey, the Prime Minister responded, "I'm wearing the Anaheim jersey out of respect to Sean. By winning the Stanley Cup with Anaheim, we have reason to celebrate, because Sean O'Donnell, a hometown boy, has brought honour to our city."

Read the rest of it here - Link

The Cup Keepers journal has been updated as well

See the rest here - Link

The Duckcast has been resurrected.  The first one of the season features an interview with Brad May - Link

To subscribe follow these instructions

Subscribe to this podcast for FREE
Copy and paste this address into your podcast application. http://ducks.nhl.com/podcasts/duckcast.xml
(Instructions: In iTunes, insert this URL under Advanced > Subscribe to Podcast

NHL.com has a quick look at players who are ready for their best season.  Chris Kunitz is on that list.

Chris Kunitz: It's great to ride shotgun with a star. Just ask Kunitz, who put up 16 goals in 35 games - just three short of what he managed all last season. His goal-scoring has slowed, but he's been piling up assists and showing he's worthy of first-line time.

To see who else is on that list go here - Link

The Sporting News has a look at the Anaheim Ducks

With the possible retirement of Scott Niedermayer, the Ducks will rely more heavily on a potential-laden young forward line led by Ryan Getzlaf in their quest to repeat.

Even while the confetti was still fluttering in the air and the Stanley Cup was swaggering from one victory party to another, the questions had already begun.

Can the Anaheim Ducks repeat? Can they do it if two key players retire? Few NHL teams in recent years have stepped up to meet preseason expectations and hype as well as the Ducks did last season.

After adding Chris Pronger to a team that had reached the Western Conference Finals in 2006, Anaheim was a consensus Stanley Cup favorite before the first puck was dropped last October.

The Ducks responded by setting an NHL record for earning standings points in their first 16 games.

The team essentially led the Pacific Division from wire to wire and quickly advanced through the first two rounds of the playoffs. There were a couple tough moments early in the conference finals against Detroit, but Anaheim won the final three games of the series and dispensed with the Ottawa Senators in five games to win the first Stanley Cup for the state of California.

Read the rest here - Link

MVN has a look at day three of training camp

It’s been a whirlwind week for the Ducks, who are on an accelerated schedule for training camp. Monday saw physicals and assessments. Tuesday and Wednesday were two heavy practice and scrimmage days. Thursday saw the first pre-season game. Friday brought another practice and scrimmage day as a prelude to three more games in three days.

As of yet, there have been no cuts made to the roster, but those are likely to come after the next three games. Therefore the team still practiced in two groups. Group A was on the NHL rink again and they went through the usual drills and sprints for an hour. Everything has a harder, faster tempo and the players are looking much sharper than they did on Tuesday.

After a brief break to resurface the ice, the two groups had another scrimmage. Group A was in black and group B was in white. The first scrimmage black came out on top. On day 2 the white team managed to put together a narrow victory. Today was another blow out, with the white team coming out on top. 24 year old right winger, Brandon Segal, who was acquired from Nashville for future considerations in June, stood out in the scrimmage with three goals (a penalty shot, banging in a rebound and a nice shot that clanged in off the post) . The final score was 8 - 2, with the black team only scoring on Todd Bertuzzi and Andy MacDonald’s penalty shots. If the black team had converted on more penalty shots (which were used instead of 2 minutes in the penalty box), the scrimmage would have been much closer.

Read the rest here - Link

The Portland(Maine) Press Herald has a look at Ducks prospect Clay Harris

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Clay Wilson got a chance to add to his playing resume while spending last season with the Portland Pirates, and it's made him a unique player in the Anaheim Ducks organization.

After spending his entire career playing defense, the speedy Wilson was inserted into one of the Pirates' forward lines in the second half of the season.

That move was made when the Pirates, Anaheim's AHL affiliate, ran short of forwards.

Wilson has become a swing player, a role seldom filled in professional hockey.

"There are not a lot of those types of classification of those players who play to the highest level in the American Hockey League and the NHL," Anaheim Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle said. "We think it's unique for him."

The move was made during the offensive-minded Wilson's first full professional season.

"About halfway through the season, we were kind of short up front," Wilson said.

"I had a little bit of success and got the hang of it toward the end of the year."

Last season, Wilson, 24, was the Pirates' third-leading scorer with nine goals and 34 assists in 79 games.

Before he went home for the summer, he was told by the Ducks' management he would continue to play a dual role.

"I don't mind at all," he said. "Anything that will give me a chance to spend more time with Anaheim is a positive thing."

He's listed as a left wing on the Ducks' training camp positional roster.

However, he spent the first three days of practice playing defense.

Read the rest here - Link

Tuesday News - Training Camp Portion

Today was a busy day with the first day of training camp and the Stanley cup visiting Anaheim City Hall.  I was first in line at city hall was able to touch it and get a picture with it.  So if you did not get to go, make sure you go to the Newport Sports Musuem this Friday and check it out!

Training Camp News, videos and Photos

Here are a couple of my videos from Training Camp.. 

 

Official Ducks Coverage

The Ducks open training camp with a different look than the team that capture its first Stanley Cup title three months ago. Missing from camp are captain Scott Niedermayer and leading goal-scorer Teemu Selanne, both of whom are still contemplating retirement.

But the Ducks still come to camp with veterans Chris Pronger, Andy McDonald, Jean-Sebastien Giguere, third-year stars Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, newcomers Mathieu Schneider and Todd Bertuzzi and a hungry group of rookies looking to make the roster of the defending champions. Everyone will be preparing for the earliest start to the season the Ducks have ever had, as they open in London against the Kings on Sept. 29 and 30.  

Starting today, AnaheimDucks.com is with the Ducks throughout training camp, offering features, photos, audio clips and more.

Ducks Training Camp Guide

9/11/07

The Ducks opened camp with a scrimmage this morning at Anaheim ICE, in which a couple hundred fans showed up to take a look. Absent from the scrimmage, aside from Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne, were J.S. Giguere and Samuel Pahlsson, both recovering from abdominal surgeries.

Photos from the Scrimmage

Audio from the first day of camp

 

Randy Carlye Part 1 Randy Carlyle Part 2
Chris Pronger
Mathieu Schneider
Todd Bertuzzi
Video of all four interviews

 

LA Times has a look at the Ducks training camp

Scott Niedermayer, who is contemplating retirement, is officially suspended without pay in a move expected because of salary cap issues. Teemu Selanne also remains noncommittal about his future.

8:55 PM PDT, September 11, 2007

Training camp officially opened for the Ducks on Tuesday and, as expected, there were two notable no-shows as Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne continue to contemplate retirement.
And, as expected, Niedermayer was officially suspended without pay on Tuesday in what is basically a move that will give the Ducks some salary cap relief if he stays on the sideline into the regular season.
The 34-year-old captain's $6.75-million salary would come off the Ducks' current $49-million cap figure.
"It wasn't a fun phone call," General Manager Brian Burke said. "But he was expecting it. He's a professional."
Also on Tuesday, Burke met with Selanne but divulged little over what they spoke about, other than to say the unrestricted star forward remains noncommittal about his future.
There had been indications that Selanne was waiting to see what Niedermayer would do.
"There's no change," Burke said. "We talked about a few other things but I'll keep that between us."

Read the rest here - Link

The Globe and Mail has their take

Training camp has opened early for the Stanley Cup champions, minus a few familiar faces.

The Anaheim Ducks began practising in California without future Hall of Fame players Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne, who are both undecided about continuing their splendid NHL careers.

Anaheim general manager Brian Burke met yesterday with Selanne, an unrestricted free agent who scored 48 goals last season, but was unable to get a firm answer about the 37-year-old right winger's possible return.

Meanwhile, the club suspended Niedermayer, 34, meaning his salary won't count against its total while he continues to mull over his playing future.

Niedermayer is under contract for another two years, with $13.4-million (U.S.) still on the table for the smooth-skating defenceman who may have tired of the rigours of more than 14 professional seasons.

Adding to the problems of Burke and Ducks head coach Randy Carlyle is opening the regular season on the road — overseas in London on Sept. 29 against the Los Angeles Kings.

"It's an honour to go," Burke said with bravado during an NHL telephone conference call. "When the league asks you to go, you go. We're extending our brand overseas. It's a chance to market our game internationally."

Burke conceded it's not the ideal way to begin a new season so soon after a championship — the first for the Ducks — because their training camp started a few days ahead of those of the other teams. As do their exhibition schedule and then the first games of the regular season on consecutive nights in faraway London.

With off-season player shuffles and Selanne's indecision, the Ducks were forced to make changes to their first three lines, which played the majority of minutes in the 2006-07 regular season and playoffs.

Newcomer Todd Bertuzzi likely will replace Selanne on the top line alongside Andy McDonald and Chris Kunitz.

Bertuzzi, 32, played sparingly with the Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings last season before using free agency to sign with the Ducks. He must prove he still has the skating speed after back surgery to keep up with new linemates.

Read the rest here - Link

The Daily Breeze has their coverage

Training camp opens today for the Ducks, who seek to defend their Stanley Cup title. Roll call?

Scott Niedermayer, one of the NHL's top defensemen, might be driving his kids to school. Teemu Selanne, one of the Ducks' most dynamic forwards, probably will be racing his Ferrari somewhere.

The Ducks will attempt to become the NHL's first repeat champions since Detroit 10 years ago, but they won't get a true sense of their team until Niedermayer and Selanne, both of whom remain undecided about playing this season, announce their intentions. And neither player has set a timetable for that.

So the Ducks will press forward. Niedermayer, at age 34, has two years left on his contract. Selanne, 37, is a free agent but won't play anywhere but Anaheim. No matter what they do, the Ducks are stacked.

Not certain of his veterans' plans, and not wanting to be left shorthanded, Ducks general manager Brian Burke turned pro-active and signed defenseman Mathieu Schneider and forward Todd Bertuzzi.

If Niedermayer and Selanne decide to play at some point this season, the Ducks will be ridiculously talented. But if both decide to hang up their skates, the Ducks won't suffer much of a drop-off this season.

It all starts in goal, where Jean-Sebastien Giguere, in the prime of his career at age 30, signed a four-year, $24 million contract this summer to stay with the Ducks. Things are so good for the Ducks that their backup goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov, could be a solid starter for any number of teams.

On defense, Chris Pronger remains one of the NHL's elite defensemen and would help make a formidable No. 1 defensive pairing with either Schneider or Francois Beauchemin.

The Ducks are even deeper at forward. Losing Selanne, and his team-high 48 goals and 94 points, would be a major blow, but wingers such as Ryan Getzlaf (25 goals, 33 assists last season) and Chris Kunitz (25 goals, 35 assists last season) seem well prepared to step up and play first-line minutes.

Read the rest here - Link

CBC/Canadian Press has their analysis

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - The shortest summer in Anaheim Ducks history ended Tuesday when the defending Stanley Cup champions opened training camp without captain Scott Niedermayer and unrestricted free agent Teemu Selanne.

Ducks general manager Brian Burke had no other recourse but to suspend Niedermayer, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the playoffs and has been contemplating retirement.

The 34-year-old defenceman hasn't decided whether to return for a 14th NHL season. The 2004 Norris Trophy winner had a career-high 69 points last season en route to his fourth Stanley Cup title.

"I spoke to him, and obviously he knew it was coming," Burke said of the suspension. "It wasn't a fun phone call, but he expected it. He's a professional.

"The only option the club has is to wait. I mean, this is a player who's earned the right to make this call."

Selanne, the franchise's career leading goal scorer, also is considering retirement. Last season, his 13th in the league, he accomplished his goal of winning an NHL championship.

He wasn't suspended because he's a free agent. Niedermayer has two years and US$13.5 million left on a four-year contract. As of now, the team's facilities are off limits to him.

"I want our fans to understand that we didn't have a choice but to suspend Scotty," Burke said. "I think for some of our fans, that might seem like a harsh step. And it's not. That's what we have to do.

"There also seems to be a notion on the websites in Canada that these players are inconveniencing us in some way, or that this is working to the detriment of the hockey club. And nothing could be further from the truth."

Selanne, 37, was third in the league with 48 goals last season, becoming the first NHL player with consecutive 40-goal seasons after age 35.

"I met with Teemu this morning and there's no change. He's not prepared to come in," Burke said. "We talked about a few other things, but I'll keep that between us. He's unrestricted, so he didn't even have to come in and talk to me if he didn't want to.

"But we feel that we've plugged in a couple of players who should replace the two players who might not be back and we'll go from there."

Ducks forward Rob Niedermayer doesn't have any more insight into his brother's plans than the front office.

"That's his decision, and I can't predict anything," the younger Niedermayer said. "He's going to make that decision when he feels comfortable, and everyone in this dressing room is comfortable with that. I'm sure I'll be one of the first ones to know, but his family is something that's come first for him."

The Ducks, who begin defence of their title with two regular-season games in London against the rival Los Angeles Kings, leave for England on Sept. 24. Before that, they will play seven pre-season games in 11 days, starting with a matchup with the Kings on Thursday night.

"You can only start with the people that are here," said coach Randy Carlyle, rewarded with a one-year contract extension during the off-season. "As a coach, you live in the real world. Our training started here this morning, and we're going forward with this group. If the others at some point decide they want to join us, we will welcome it."

Read the rest here - Link

The Orange County register offers up their take

The Ducks arrived at training camp a year ago among an elite group of top-flight Stanley Cup contenders and fulfilled that immense promise nearly nine months later, capping a magical season by winning the first championship in franchise history.

They will show up at Anaheim Ice today to begin defense of that title in a decidedly different state, burdened by a host of potentially debilitating circumstances, some painfully familiar to past champions and others perhaps unprecedented in NHL history.

It is a testament to the club's immense talent base that the Ducks still appear formidable despite the absence of last season's leading scorer, right wing Teemu Selanne, and top-scoring defenseman, team captain Scott Niedermayer. The short off-season was not lengthy enough for either seemingly certain Hall of Famer to reach a decision on possible retirement. Neither will be in training camp, at least at the outset, leaving two huge voids — and more than a bit of room for potential distraction.

"Our preparation has to be that we take the worst-case scenario — that they both won't be back," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. "There are lots of distractions that will be taking place here in the next month and a half. We have to be as focused as possible, and eliminate potential excuses. Accepting the responsibility is probably the No. 1 thing we have to grasp as a group."

Carlyle spoke to players at the club's customary training-camp dinner Monday night, but the theme won't stop there.

"It's not something you just show up one day and produce that message," he said. "You have to constantly remind, refresh, talk about it. We're selling a program. We're expecting our hockey club to play to a high level. We're expecting that when they drop the puck in London."

London?

As if it weren't challenge enough to play into June and rebound in October, everything has been moved up a few days for the Ducks, who will open the regular season Sept. 29-30 with a two-game set against the Kings in Jolly Old England as part of NHL Premiere, the league's latest overseas venture to "grow the game."

Read the rest here - Link

MVN has their analysis

The Anaheim Ducks opened their on-ice portion of training camp today at Anaheim Ice. Yesterday was spent doing evaluations and team physicals and miscellaneous paperwork. As expected, Scott Niedermayer did not show up to report to camp. Since Niedermayer is still under contract until he makes a retirement decision, GM Brian Burke had no choice but to suspend him. The suspension means that the Ducks budget can breathe a little for now.

Other players missing in action are Teemu Selanne, who is also pondering retirement but does not have a contract with the Ducks or any other team, and Sami Pahlsson who is still recovering from last week’s hernia surgery. Jean-Sebastian Giguere, who also underwent hernia surgery in August, skated on his own without any gear prior to practice. Giguere is expected to join the team in workouts by next week.

The players are split into two groups, A & B, with one team on each of the rinks at the same time. Group A practiced on the NHL rink and consisted of goalies Jonas Hiller and Gerald Coleman; defensemen Clay Wilson, Brett Skinner, Joe Callahan, Brian Salcido, Brett Festerling, Shane Hnidy, Chris Pronger and Francois Beauchemin; forwards Andy MacDonald, Corey Perry, Bobby Bolt, Matt Beleskey, Todd Bertuzzi, Todd Marchant, Andrew Ebbett, Travis Moen, Mike Hoffman, Petteri Wirtanen, Matt Keith, Brad May, and Dan LaCouture.

Read the rest here - Link

Monday News - Part 3, The rest of the news

So, what more could there be?  How about a training camp update?  More analysis on Niedermayer's retirement?  Maybe some analysis of the Ducks by NHL.com?  I have that and more so enjoy!

The OC Register has a look at player attendance of this years training camp:

Conflicted captain Scott Niedermayer and unrestricted free-agent right wing Teemu Selanne, each of whom continues to contemplate retirement, won't be the only standout players absent when the Ducks hold their first training-camp skating session Tuesday at Anaheim Ice.

Goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere said Thursday he expects to miss perhaps the first week of on-ice team drills while he completes recovery from Aug. 6 sports-hernia surgery. Iron-man center Samuel Pahlsson's immediate future is even more uncertain after he underwent a similar procedure Wednesday in Philadelphia.

Giguere anticipates being ready for the club's Sept. 29 NHL opener against the Kings in London, but Pahlsson's club-record streak of 275 consecutive regular-season games played, the league's seventh-longest current run, is in jeopardy.

"I'm coming along really well," Giguere said. "The first three weeks, I couldn't do much, but since then, I've been working out pretty hard, riding the bike and doing everything I need to do to get ready.

"I may start skating during the (next) week, but it's going to be very easy skating. At worst, I'll probably be a week behind everybody. We'll just have to see how it goes."

Just as Giguere experienced problems when he stepped up summer workouts, prescribed offseason rest was not enough to alleviate the abdominal pain that cost Pahlsson considerable practice time during last season's Stanley Cup playoffs.

"He could have played through this, but it would have been a nagging injury," general manager Brian Burke said. "The recovery time is 3-5 weeks. We anticipate that if he misses any regular-season time, it will be minimal."

Read the rest here - Link

James Mirtle has a look at Scott's retirement/non-retirement

Surely he informed Brian Burke of his intentions long ago, which could very well revolve around him saving his body -- not to mention team salary-cap money -- by returning to the game late in the season.
Otherwise, what he's doing withholding his services and delaying an announcement on his playing future is disruptive and distracting a franchise that deserves better.

— Eric Francis, Calgary Sun

I can't say that I blame the players but if that is the plan I wish Scott Niedermayer was upfront about it. There is something distasteful about it, but I'm not sure exactly what. As Matt Fenwick notes, fans aren't particularly happy about it.

— Tom Benjamin

That certainly seems like a reasonable request in this situation: If Niedermayer wants to sit for 30 or 40 games, simply come out and say so, and allow the Ducks to plan accordingly.
Except the CBA doesn't allow that arrangement. Or, by extension, Niedermayer to give the Ducks any indication of his intentions.
Why, that would be cap circumvention!

26.3 Circumventions.
(a) No Club or Club Actor, directly or indirectly, may: (i) enter into any agreements, promises, undertakings, representations, commitments, inducements, assurances of intent, or understandings of any kind, whether express, implied, oral or written, including without limitation, any SPC, Qualifying Offer, Offer Sheet or other transaction, or (ii) take or fail to take any action whatsoever, if either (i) or (ii) is intended to or has the effect of defeating or Circumventing the provisions of this Agreement or the intention of the parties as reflected by the provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation, provisions with respect to the financial and other reporting obligations of the Clubs and the League, Team Payroll Range, Player Compensation Cost Redistribution System, the Entry Level System and/or Free Agency.

There's nothing in the collective bargaining agreement that explicitly refers to potential retirements or quasi-retirements, but Brian Burke has referenced the fact they cannot agree upon a midseason date for a return due to circumvention concerns, and I'm betting this is something he's checked with the league.
As for Niedermayer, well, I think it is a problem that he signed a long-term deal and is now, unexpectedly, deciding to sit for what will likely be a half season to recharge the batteries.
He's certainly earned an awful lot over his NHL career, and I can understand that he may want a break, but coming off a season away already in 2004-05 and keeping in mind that he's only 34, I don't think it's unreasonable that he honour the contract he signed with the Ducks.
It's just one more CBA snag that puts the player, his team and the league in a tough spot, and something the NHL and Players' Association should really rework to allow for player burnout.

Read the rest here - Link

NHL.com has an analysis of the Anaheim Ducks prospects to repeat this year.

When they give out the Stanley Cup every year, when they have all those pretty rings made up, they should also pass out targets for the winning team to thread on their jerseys.

Because from the drop of the puck in their first game, to the final buzzer of their last, the defending champions will be marked men. Everyone wants to knock off the champs and the Stanley Cup winners are no different.

The Anaheim Ducks, therefore, might want to include a crosshair on their new uniform systems for the 2007-08 season.

“When you’re the champion, there’s a target on your back,” Anaheim General Manager Brian Burke says. “And your front. And your head. And your leg. Everyone wants to beat you. So you have to bring your A-game with much more consistency and frequency.”

There is no greater challenge in the NHL than repeating a championship run. That’s why nobody has done it since the Detroit Red Wings won two in a row in 1997 and 1998. How hard it is to repeat?

Well, the 2006 champion Carolina Hurricanes failed to make the next season’s playoff tournament. Some teams get too fat with confidence after winning, others may take their foot off the gas too quickly, while others simply cannot withstand the punishment defending champions are guaranteed to face the season after winning a Cup.

Since the New York Islanders won four in a row in the early 1980’s, only Edmonton (twice), Pittsburgh, and Detroit have successfully defended their titles. The Ducks will have the Cup on hand for their home opener Oct. 10, and after that, Burke says it’s up for grabs again.

“When it’s here for our home opener, guys will see it with their names on it for the first time,” Burke said. “That’s part of the lore and the rhythm of the thing. It’ll be here for the home opener. We have three banners going up -- a divisional title, our first ever; a conference championship; and the Stanley Cup. And I told the Stanley Cup guys, after the 10th, which is our home opener, I don’t want to see it again.

Read the rest here - Link

The new Ducks jersey's to be unveiled on Thursday?  Well the Anaheim Ducks board members think so - Link

You can buy yours here now or when you can actually see them - Link

The Anaheim Ducks and Honda are giving away a Honda Ridgeline.  Find out more here - Link

That is it.  Have a great night and see you at city hall tomorrow!

Internet Still Down - Today's Quick News

So it really sucks not having internet (2 days now). But I still have a job, here are the links to today's news. Note as nice as my usual posts, but I've only have a few moments here.

Scott Niedermayer will talk to the media today at 10:30. - Link

Scott Niedermayer will miss training camp and is still undecided according to the LA Times - Link

CBC has their take on Scott Niedermayer - Link

MVN has their take on Scott Niedermayer - Link

So does the OC Register - Link

AnaheimDucks.info has an interesting analysis on whether the Ducks could afford Selanne and Niedermayer - Link

Anaheim Ducks TV schedule has been posted - Link

Anaheim Ducks have extended their contract with KDOC (Thanks Hockeyfights.com)- Link

Anaheim Ducks Training Camp schedule has been posted - Link

Stanley Cup visits Chicago - Link

HHOF's Stanley Cup Journal was updated on Tuesday - Link

Keeper of the Cup photoblog was updated on Tuesday - Link

Thank you all for your patience while I deal with my ISP.