Could Anaheim fit both Niedermayer and Selanne if they wish to return?

There is a lot of misinformation going around the ‘Net these days about whether or not the Ducks could welcome Scotty and Teemu back if they do opt not to retire. The simple answer is YES, they could remain Ducks this season. Let’s examine several possible scenarios and the effect it might have on other Ducks’ players.

Due to league revenues rising once again, the new cap ceiling for the 2007-2008 season sits at $50.3 million, up from $44 million for last season. Obviously, not every team has owners willing to spend to the cap and have their own personal team budget. Let’s assume, for purposes of this post, that Burke’s comments about the Samuelis (current Anaheim Ducks’ owners) are valid and they will allow the GM to spend to the cap limit in the case either Niedermayer or Selanne wish to return.

Let’s take a look at where the Ducks stand at the moment.

Goaltenders ($7.181 million)

Jean-Sebastien Giguere ($6 million), Ilya Bryzgalov ($1.181 million)

Forwards ($17.724 million)

Todd Bertuzzi ($4 million), Andy McDonald ($3.333 million), Todd Marchant ($2.518 million), Rob Niedermayer ($2 million), Samuel Pahlsson ($1.4 million), Chris Kunitz ($1.056 million), Travis Moen ($0.913 million), Ryan Getzlaf ($0.74 million), Corey Perry ($0.614 million), Brad May ($0.6 million), George Parros ($0.55 million)

Defencemen ($23.608 million)

Scott Niedermayer ($6.75 million), Chris Pronger ($6.25 million), Mathieu Schneider ($5.625 million),  Francois Beauchemin ($1.65 million), Sean O’Donnell ($1.25 million), Shane Hnidy ($0.758 million), Joe DiPenta ($0.7 million), Kent Huskins ($0.625 million)

That brings us at the moment to a grand total of $48.513 million - leaving just $1,787,000 in available cap space. Here is where many people are misled however. Niedermayer is under contract still, so he is included already in this cap figure. If he comes back, the only issue will be working out what to do with Selanne.

Option 1: Teemu takes the league minimum to play another year.

Why would Teemu do this? He has earned a lot of money over his career and I don’t believe the reason his home is up for sale is indicative of any money problems. Lots of people sell their house for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to wanting a change of neighborhood, job reasons, school reasons, the real estate market, etc… If Teemu returns, I believe it is with the intent to repeat and win another Stanley Cup. With him taking the league minimum, that would give Anaheim the best possible chance to do just that.

On the other side of things, one might imagine the NHLPA might not take kindly to this kind of move. I don’t think it would set precedent though as this is a specific situation with an aged veteran contemplating retirement.

Option 2: Teemu takes a low base salary deal laden with rich incentives and bonuses.

This seems to be the popular solution. Under the current CBA, bonuses in Teemu’s case can be carried over to count against next year’s cap hit. Teemu would likely earn his money easily playing first-line minutes on a squad that bears even more talent than last year where he notched 48 goals.

The issue here is that the Ducks really cannot afford to blow next year’s cap space if they wish to extend the contracts of young stars Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. I don’t think this is as big an issue as some people make out though, as if Niedermayer returns this year he will likely be gone by next and his salary will be off the books. If the league revenues continue their upward trend, the cap ceiling will also increase. Lastly, Burke can make some trades before then if he has to in order to keep his youngsters locked up. I think Burke would do this and worry about next year when it comes as the team’s best chance at a repeat this year is with Teemu on board.

Option 3: Trade other players to make cap room for Selanne

Burke would like to avoid this option at all costs. The players he would need to dump, likely won’t bring their maximum return as they would be considered ’salary dump’ deals. Players most rumored to move would be Ilya Bryzgalov and Todd Marchant, but even their salaries wouldn’t make enough room for a $5-6 million deal for Selanne. Not to mention leaving space for injury call-ups during the season. I do think Ilya will be moved, but only when another team has the need and is willing to pay the price Burke is after. Marchant is a versatile forward and a short-handed threat and I see no reason to move him for the moment, though he is slightly overpaid.

Option 4: Scott, Teemu or both only return later in the season

While I don’t put any stock in the idea, it is another possibility. As cap hits are pro-rated, if either player returned halfway through the season, they would only hit the cap by half their contracts. They should still have enough time to get in shape for the Playoff run if that is what they wish to do and will likely be less fatigued than many of their opponents. The downside? Will they keep in shape during their time off? Will they disturb team chemistry when they return? Both valid questions.

In conclusion, if both Niedermayer and Selanne want to return, you find a way to make it work. I would bet most on options 1 or 2 happening though. What are your thoughts?