After months and months of endless rumors and speculation, Scott Niedermayer, the 2007 Conn Smythe winner for the Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, will be returning to the lineup. Aren’t you glad? No more “He’s retiring!” or “He’s coming back!” news.

Niedermayer, who has appeared in seven NHL All-Star games and won a Norris trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman to go with his four Stanley Cup rings, was contemplating retirement, citing that it was difficult to get motivated after winning just about everything he wanted to win. 34 isn’t particularly old for a defenseman but don’t forget he was also part of Memorial Cup, World Junior gold, IIHF World Championship gold, World Cup of Hockey and Olympic gold medal winning teams.

I’m sure the Ducks are glad to have him back but this must be a serious headache for GM Brian Burke, who went out and signed Matthieu Schneider in the off-season to fill Niedermayer’s vacant roster spot, assuming that he would retire. Although they have room this year, the Ducks are dangerously close to the cap ceiling next year with key free agents yet to be re-signed, particularly promising young forward Corey Perry and backup goaltender Jonas Hiller. Perry, who leads the Ducks in goals with 14, could seek a contract similar to teammate Ryan Getlaf, who signed a 5-year, $26.5m deal last month. If he doesn’t get a similar deal, Perry will probably receive an offer sheet somewhere in that range.

Assuming Perry re-signs, the Ducks will be over the cap (even though it will probably go up again next season), meaning at least one of the current Duck D-men might be available. It’s unlikely Brian Burke will trade Chris Pronger so one of Mathieu Schneider, Sean O’Donnell or Francois Beauchemin might be shopped. Even though he’s still a top three D-man, Schneider’s age (38) and salary ($5.5m this season, $5.75m next) could make him difficult to move. O’Donnell (35) and Beauchemin (27) make $1.2m and $1.65m respectively and may not provide enough cap relief if traded. That and Beauchemin shows promise and is entering his prime as a defenseman.

Amongst the forwards, I seriously doubt that Burke will shop Todd Bertuzzi, who will be a tough sell considering his $4m contract and injury history, including a lengthy absence due to concussion this year. The most likely move would probably be of Todd Marchant, but there probably isn’t too much interest in a checking line player who makes $2.5m. Burke will most likely have to give up a prospect or a pick if he’s to move someone like Marchant.

No word on whether or not Teemu “The Finnish Flash” Selanne will also be making a comeback but unlike Niedermayer, Selanne is a free agent and with all the salary problems Niedermayer’s return has brought the Ducks, it’s unlikely they can afford his services.