Ducks’ Scott Niedermayer to announce retirement

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Scott Niedermayer, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and most valuable player in the Ducks’ 2007 title run, will announce his retirement Tuesday at a news conference called by the team.

Niedermayer, captain of Canada’s gold-medal-winning Olympic team at the Vancouver Games, had been leaning toward retirement and informed club officials of his decision this week to allow them time to plan for next season. He retired briefly after the Ducks’ title run but came back during the 2007-08 season. However, this retirement is expected to stick.

One of the most graceful skaters ever to play in the NHL, Niedermayer ends his 19-season career with 1,263 games played, 172 goals, 568 assists and 740 points. He also won the Norris trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman in 2004. In the playoffs, he had 25 goals and 98 points in 202 games. The Ducks struggled this season after trading Chris Pronger, and Niedermayer struggled too, finishing with 10 goals and 48 points and a -9 plus/minus rating.

Niedermayer, who will be 37 in August, played five seasons with the Ducks and is the club’s leader among defensemen with 60 goals, 204 assists and 264 points.

More later at www.latimes.com/sports .

-- Helene Elliott