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Niedermayer’s return faces hurdles

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Times Staff Writer

The Ducks’ Scott Niedermayer skated with a handful of his teammates Tuesday, but it won’t mean that he will suit up for the first time since announcing he would rejoin the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Niedermayer has yet to practice with the entire team and is listed as doubtful for tonight’s home game against the Vancouver Canucks. A more likely scenario would be for him to return either Friday against Minnesota or Sunday against San Jose, when he would have a few practices under his belt.

Along with the question of whether he is physically ready for action, there are matters the Ducks need to address before the defenseman can make his first game appearance this season.

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To end Niedermayer’s suspension and reinstate him to the active roster, the Ducks first must clear about $900,000 to fit him under next year’s salary cap. The team has 21 days from the time of his announcement to make a move before Niedermayer’s salary begins to count against this year’s cap.

Indications are the Ducks could swing a deal as soon as today -- it is no secret they want Niedermayer in the lineup as soon as possible.

General Manager Brian Burke declined to comment on any potential deals he is discussing, although a team spokesman Tuesday said Burke was on the telephone with several teams for the better part of the day.

It is believed that defensemen Mathieu Schneider, Francois Beauchemin and Sean O’Donnell -- all of whom are signed through next season -- are drawing the most interest.

Schneider has been productive when in the lineup. His $5.5-million salary this season, however, and the $5.75 million he is owed in 2008-09 would instantly solve the Ducks’ cap issues for next season, freeing up enough money to re-sign leading goal scorer Corey Perry, who can be a restricted free agent in July.

The money saved on moving Schneider would also help them sign Teemu Selanne, who is expected to make a decision about retiring sometime after Jan. 1. Selanne has said he would play only for the Ducks if he returns.

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If the Ducks were to trade Schneider, they would have to get a top young prospect in return because they could be left with a huge hole on the blue line if Niedermayer retired again. Niedermayer’s contract runs through next season, but he has yet to commit to another year.

O’Donnell could be a candidate, but his $1.25-million salary wouldn’t solve all the cap issues for next season unless the Ducks knew Niedermayer’s intentions.

--

TONIGHT

vs. Vancouver, 7, FSN Prime Ticket

Site -- Honda Center.

Radio -- 830.

Records -- Ducks 15-13-4, Canucks 16-11-3.

Record vs. Canucks -- 0-1-0.

Update -- The Canucks won, 4-0, on Nov. 27 in Vancouver as All-Star goalie Roberto Luongo made 26 saves for the second of three straight shutouts he had.

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.

eric.stephens@latimes.com

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