Ducks training camp opens; Niedermayer officially suspended.

The Anaheim Ducks opened their training camp today, earlier than other NHL teams (save the LA Kings) due to the fact they (and the Kings) will start their season overseas in London, England. Scott Niedermayer, who still has yet to decide if he will resume playing or call it a career this season, did not report to camp and has been suspended. This shouldn’t really shock anyone and was expected both by the player and the GM, as any contracted players choosing not to report to camp would receive similar action.

The silver lining for Anaheim is while suspended (and pondering a decision), they do not have to pay Niedermayer and his salary won’t count against the cap. This fact has fueled internet rumors that the Teemu/Scott situation is all a Burke-orchestrated conspiracy to give his superstars a rest until later in the season and then attempt a Cup repeat with a stacked roster (having added Bertuzzi and Schneider in the summer).