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Ducks’ Scott Niedermayer, with two years left on deal, may retire

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Times Staff Writer

Scott Niedermayer has acknowledged that he is contemplating retirement after leading the Ducks to their first Stanley Cup title, but the star defenseman has not yet made a decision, according to those close to him.

Agent Kevin Epp said he spoke with his client on Tuesday and indicated that Niedermayer would like to decide by July 1, the first day of free agency.

“We’ve talked a couple of times,” Epp said Tuesday. “The biggest thing for him right now is spending time with his three young sons and his wife. He’s Scotty. He thinks everything through and whatever decision he makes will be the right one.”

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Niedermayer, 33, has two years remaining on his four-year, $27-million contract. If he were to retire, he would leave $13.5 million on the table.

Niedermayer, selected the most valuable player of the playoffs as the Ducks won their first championship, has won four Cups, three of them with the New Jersey Devils.

“Scott’s his own man,” Epp said. “It’s not about money. It’s not hard for him to walk away and leave his stamp on what he’s done in the NHL. No one has done what he’s done at every level of hockey as far as winning.

“The only thing now would be wanting to repeat that.”

Niedermayer could not be reached for comment. But in an ESPN.com article, he said, “I think every player, as they get older, begins to think about how much longer they’re going to play. I know I think about it.”

Ducks General Manager Brian Burke said there is no pressure on the former Norris Trophy winner to make a decision, although a decision by July 1 would give Burke significant cap room to address that need through free agency.

But Burke said no one could fill Niedermayer’s shoes.

“I can’t replace Scott Niedermayer in July or ever,” Burke said. “He’s won everything there is in hockey. If he needs longer than that, he’s earned the right to make that call. If he decides to he had enough then he’s earned that as well.”

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Meanwhile, the Ducks have stepped up their efforts to lock up goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere to a long-term deal. Both Burke and Giguere’s agent, Bob Sauve, said they had a productive meeting last week at Sauve’s office outside Montreal.

“We’ve since exchanged proposals,” Burke said. “I’d say things are going well. But it’s not done.”

Giguere is believed to be seeking at least $6 million a season. Sauve said the Ducks are serious about signing the 30-year-old, who has a 31-13 postseason record and will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1.

“We know that Jiggy’s a great goalie,” Sauve said. “Our first goal is to try to get a deal done with the Ducks.”

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eric.stephens@latimes.com

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