December 12, 2007
Ducks still trying to trade TheFourthPeriod.com
With Scott Niedermayer eyeing a Friday or Sunday return, Ducks GM Brian Burke continues his attempts to fit the veteran defenseman under next year's salary cap.
According to the Los Angeles Times, defensemen Mathieu Schneider, Francois Beauchemin and Sean O'Donnell are attracting the most interest.
Burke declined to comment on any potential deals he is discussing, although a trade is believed to be imminent.
The Ducks are supposedly finding it difficult to move Schneider, who makes $5.5 million this season and $5.75 million in 2008-09.
However, if the Ducks are able to move Schneider, it would help the team sign Teemu Selanne, who is expected to announce a decision in the New Year about whether or not he plans on returning to the team.
TFP's Dennis Bernstein has confirmed that Selanne has been practicing and working out five days a week and is leaning towards a return.
By trading Schneider, it would also free up enough money to re-sign the Ducks' 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.
According to the Orange County Register, the Ducks have been talking to the Florida Panthers, Atlanta Thrashers, Chicago Blackhawks and Carolina Hurricanes.
Something will happen any day now, possibly even today. The Ducks are trying to shed some salary, but are hoping to do this by completing a trade that makes sense. Giving up someone like Schneider isn't easy, as he comes with a high price tag and the Ducks don't want to simply give him away. In a perfect world, the Ducks would trade O'Donnell and Todd Marchant and call it a day.
