Scott Niedermayer

Scott Niedermayer
Scott Niedermayer
Born	August 31, 1973 (age 53); Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Occupation(s)	Ice hockey player, coach
Years active	1991–2010
Known for	NHL defenceman, four-time Stanley Cup champion, James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, Conn Smythe Trophy winner

Scott Niedermayer (born August 31, 1973) is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman who currently serves as a special assignment coach for the Anaheim Ducks. Throughout an 18-year tenure in the National Hockey League (NHL), he appeared in over 1,000 games representing the New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks. Niedermayer secured four Stanley Cup titles, participated in five NHL All-Star Games, claimed the James Norris Memorial Trophy during the 2003–04 season, and was honored with the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2007. In 2017, he was recognized among the 100 Greatest NHL Players.

During his junior career, Niedermayer played a pivotal role in winning two Western Hockey League championships with the Kamloops Blazers, earning MVP honors at the 1992 Memorial Cup while leading his team to the Canadian Hockey League championship. Selected third overall by New Jersey in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, he spent the majority of his professional years with the Devils before transferring to Anaheim in 2005.

On the international stage, Niedermayer represented Team Canada on numerous occasions and is a celebrated member of the Triple Gold Club, having achieved victories in the Stanley Cup, a World Championship, and Olympic gold medals in both 2002 and 2010. Alongside teammate Corey Perry, he stands out as one of the few players to have won all six premier North American and international competitions available. In 2020, he was selected for the prestigious IIHF All-Time Canada Team.

Acknowledged as one of the elite NHL defencemen, Niedermayer's accolades include induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (2012), the Hockey Hall of Fame (2013), and the IIHF Hall of Fame (2015). His jersey number has been retired by the Devils, Ducks, and Kamloops Blazers.

Early life

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Niedermayer spent his formative years initially in Cassiar, British Columbia before his family relocated to Cranbrook, British Columbia. His father, Bob, practiced medicine while his mother, Carol, worked as an educator. Scott has a younger sibling, Rob, with whom he frequently played hockey. Their mother introduced them to skating and enrolled them in figure skating classes to enhance their abilities. As an offensively skilled defenceman, Scott led his Cranbrook minor midget hockey team by scoring 55 goals and accumulating 92 points during the 1988–89 season.

Junior

Niedermayer spent three seasons competing in junior hockey for the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 1989 until 1992. In the 1989–90 campaign, he tallied 69 points across 64 games and contributed to the Blazers securing the President's Cup as WHL champions. Though Kamloops was swept in all three matches at the 1990 Memorial Cup, Niedermayer garnered multiple accolades during the following season (1990–91), recording 26 goals and 82 points over 57 games and earning a spot on the Western Conference All-Star team. Additionally, he was honored with both the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Trophy as WHL scholastic player of the year and the national distinction of Canadian Hockey League Scholastic Player of the Year.

Regarded as a top prospect for the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, Niedermayer was chosen third overall by the New Jersey Devils. He commenced his professional career during the 1991–92 season, making his NHL debut against the New York Rangers on October 16, 1991. After participating in four NHL contests and registering one assist, he was reassigned to junior hockey. Despite appearing in only 35 games that year at junior level, he earned another selection to the Western Conference All-Star team. The Blazers clinched their second WHL championship within three years in 1992; Niedermayer ranked third overall in playoff scoring with 23 points. At that year’s 1992 Memorial Cup, he led Kamloops with seven points over five games and received the prestigious Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as tournament MVP.

New Jersey Devils

Niedermayer became a full-time member of the Devils roster during the 1992–93 campaign, netting his inaugural NHL goal on November 8, 1992, against goaltender Brian Hayward in a commanding 6–1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Throughout that season, he participated in all 80 games, tallying 11 goals and accumulating 40 points, which earned him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team as a defenseman. In the following 1993–94, Niedermayer elevated his performance to 48 points and contributed 4 points over 20 playoff contests as the Devils advanced to the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers. The team embarked on another significant postseason journey during the lockout-shortened 1994–95 season, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history. Niedermayer amassed 11 points in 20 playoff games, including a crucial goal in game two of the Finals, as New Jersey swept the Detroit Red Wings to claim their inaugural Stanley Cup.

After registering 33 points in the 1995–96 season, the Devils failed to qualify for the playoffs—the first defending champions to do so in 26 years. Niedermayer recorded 35 points during 1996–97, and his most productive New Jersey campaign came in 1997–98 when he scored 14 goals and totaled 57 points. That year, he made his debut at the NHL All-Star Game, scored a goal, and was selected for the NHL's Second All-Star team. Despite finishing second among defensemen in scoring within New Jersey's defensive-oriented system, Niedermayer demanded a substantial salary increase. Declining a $3.25 million base salary proposal, he began the 1998–99 season holding out and briefly played with the Utah Grizzlies of the IHL. After missing approximately one month, he signed a multi-year contract with undisclosed terms and posted 46 points over 71 games.

During the late stages of the 1999–2000 season, Niedermayer received a ten-game suspension for retaliating with his stick against Florida Panthers’ Peter Worell following an elbow to him. Upon his return, Niedermayer’s defensive contributions were pivotal in guiding the Devils to their second Stanley Cup by defeating the Dallas Stars in six games. His celebration included bringing the Cup to Fisher Peak near his hometown of Cranbrook.

Contract disagreements persisted after that championship year. Niedermayer sought an annual salary close to $5.3 million but was offered $3.5 million by New Jersey. He commenced the 2000–01 season on holdout status, missing nearly two months before agreeing to a four-year contract worth $16 million. He accumulated 35 points in 57 games and participated in his second All-Star Game. During the playoffs, he was rendered unconscious by an elbow from Toronto’s Tie Domi, who faced suspension for the remainder of the postseason following an apology. The Devils advanced to the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals but were defeated by the Colorado Avalanche in seven games.

Injuries caused Niedermayer to miss several early contests of the 2001–02 season due to back pain, resulting in a total of 33 points—his lowest output in six years. The Devils reached their fourth Stanley Cup Finals during the 2002–03 campaign, facing off against Rob Niedermayer’s Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Scott contributed two assists in game seven as New Jersey secured a 3–0 victory and earned his third Stanley Cup.

The 2003–04 saw Niedermayer solidify his status among elite defensemen, receiving commendations for his play while averaging more than 25 minutes per game due to injuries within the defensive unit and temporarily assuming captaincy responsibilities. Offensively, he notched 14 goals and 40 assists, participated in his third All-Star Game, and was honored with First Team All-Star recognition. He ranked second among defensemen in scoring with a +20 plus-minus rating and helped lead New Jersey to an NHL record low of just 164 goals against. Niedermayer was awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league’s premier defenseman.

Upon expiration of his contract, negotiations remained difficult. Initially pursuing a five-year deal worth $45 million, Niedermayer proceeded to arbitration where he was granted a one-year contract valued at $7 million—the highest arbitration award at that time. However, this agreement was nullified due to the cancellation of the entire 2004–05 NHL season caused by a lockout.

Anaheim Ducks

During the summer of 2005, as an unrestricted free agent, Niedermayer garnered interest from fourteen NHL franchises. Although the Devils proposed a five-year contract worth $7.8 million annually—the maximum allowed under the NHL salary cap—he opted to sign a four-year deal with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, earning $6.75 million per season. This decision allowed him to play alongside his brother and chase a Stanley Cup championship. Upon joining, he was immediately appointed team captain. In his debut season (2005–06), Niedermayer tallied 63 points and was named to the First Team All-Star roster. The Ducks advanced to the Western Conference Final but were ultimately defeated by the Edmonton Oilers.

Partnered on defense by Chris Pronger, Niedermayer contributed to Anaheim setting franchise records during the 2006–07 campaign, achieving 48 wins and 110 points. Both he and Pronger were finalists for the Norris Trophy, though the award went to Nicklas Lidström. On November 28, 2006, Niedermayer marked his 1,000th NHL game. That season, he reached personal bests with 15 goals, 54 assists, and a total of 69 points, earning another First Team All-Star nod. In the playoffs, he added 11 points and secured the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player during Anaheim's inaugural Stanley Cup victory, clinching the title in five games against the Ottawa Senators. As captain, he was the first to raise the Stanley Cup and notably handed it to his brother Rob.

Approaching age 34 after capturing his fourth championship, Niedermayer contemplated retirement. Initially absent at the start of the 2007–08 season, he was formally suspended; meanwhile, Pronger assumed captaincy duties. Niedermayer returned in December, participating in 48 games and accumulating 25 points while earning selection to his fourth All-Star Game.

Following a first-round playoff departure in 2008, he again considered stepping away but rejoined for the 2008–09 season. Regaining his role as captain, he appeared in his fifth All-Star Game and recorded 59 points over 82 games. In his final professional year (2009–10), he posted 48 points across 80 games before announcing retirement on June 22, 2010. Post-retirement, he remained with the Ducks organization as a consultant to general manager Bob Murray and transitioned into coaching during the 2012–13 season as a special assignment coach.

International play

Niedermayer enjoyed an illustrious international career marked by championships at every level. He made his international debut at age seventeen with Canada's junior squad at the 1991 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, helping secure a gold medal for Canada. He returned for the 1992 tournament; however, Canada finished in an unexpected sixth place.

In 1996, Niedermayer joined Canada's senior team for the first-ever World Cup of Hockey, contributing one goal and three assists over eight games as Canada fell to the United States in the final. His Olympic debut came in 2002 when he played six games and helped Canada capture its first Olympic hockey gold medal in half a century with a decisive 5–2 victory over the U.S.

He continued adding to his accolades by winning gold at both the 2004 World Championship—where he registered five points in nine contests—and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, scoring during the championship match against Finland. A knee injury prevented him from participating in the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Niedermayer’s last international appearance was as captain of Team Canada at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Leading his team to a gold medal after a thrilling 3–2 overtime win against the United States, he retired shortly thereafter.

Playing style

Niedermayer was recognized as a defenseman with a strong offensive inclination, celebrated for his exceptional skating skills and often compared to some of the NHL's most prolific offensive defensemen early in his tenure. His ability to swiftly shift from defensive duties to offensive opportunities drew parallels with Paul Coffey. Despite occasionally feeling constrained by the Devils' system, which prioritized defensive structure over creative freedom, he adjusted by focusing more on his defensive responsibilities and refining his overall performance. His career began with fluctuations in consistency, featuring impressive displays against elite competitors but also moments of inconsistency that occasionally disappointed coaches and teammates. By the conclusion of his playing days, highlighted by earning the Norris Trophy in 2004, Niedermayer had established himself as one of the top offensive defensemen of his era and a highly decorated player. Together with former Ducks teammate Corey Perry, he stands out as one of the few players to have captured every major North American and international hockey championship: the Memorial Cup, World Junior Championship, Stanley Cup, World Championship, World Cup, and Olympic gold.

Throughout his career, Niedermayer garnered numerous accolades: the New Jersey Devils retired his number 27 jersey in 2011, while the Kamloops Blazers honored him by retiring his junior number 28 in 2013. His achievements earned him induction into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame, Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, and election to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013, with formal induction taking place on November 11 that year.

Personal life

Scott Niedermayer and his wife Lisa are parents to four sons and currently live in Penticton, British Columbia. They often visit Cranbrook, which served as their offseason residence during his professional career. The couple is actively involved in charitable work, acting as honorary co-chairs for the Walk for Kids event that supports the Ronald McDonald House of Orange County. Alongside his brother Rob, Scott operates a hockey school based in Cranbrook and has helped establish a fund that awards grants to local community organizations. Committed to environmental causes, Scott collaborates with WWF-Canada to promote conservation efforts aimed at protecting British Columbia’s natural landscapes.

Regular season and playoffs

			Regular season					Playoffs
Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1989–90	Kamloops Blazers	WHL	64	14	55	69	64	17	2	14	16	35
1990–91	Kamloops Blazers	WHL	57	26	56	82	52	—	—	—	—	—
1991–92	New Jersey Devils	NHL	4	0	1	1	2	—	—	—	—	—
1991–92	Kamloops Blazers	WHL	35	7	32	39	61	17	9	14	23	28
1992–93	New Jersey Devils	NHL	80	11	29	40	47	5	0	3	3	2
1993–94	New Jersey Devils	NHL	81	10	36	46	42	20	2	2	4	8
1994–95	New Jersey Devils	NHL	48	4	15	19	18	20	4	7	11	10
1995–96	New Jersey Devils	NHL	79	8	25	33	46
1996–97	New Jersey Devils	NHL	81	5	30	35	64	10	2	4	6	6
1997–98	New Jersey Devils	NHL	81	14	43	57	27	6	0	2	2	4
1998–99	Utah Grizzlies	IHL	5	0	2	2	0
1998–99	New Jersey Devils	NHL	72	11	35	46	26	7	1	3	4	18
1999–00	New Jersey Devils	NHL	71	7	31	38	48	22	5	2	7	10
2000–01	New Jersey Devils	NHL	57	6	29	35	22	21	0	6	6	14
2001–02	New Jersey Devils	NHL	76	11	22	33	30	6	0	2	2	6
2002–03	New Jersey Devils	NHL	81	11	28	39	62	24	2	16	18	16
2003–04	New Jersey Devils	NHL	81	14	40	54	44	5	1	0	1	6
2005–06	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	82	13	50	63	96	16	2	9	11	14
2006–07	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	79	15	54	69	86	21	3	8	11	26
2007–08	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	48	8	17	25	16	6	0	2	2	4
2008–09	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	82	14	45	59	70	13	3	7	10	11
2009–10	Anaheim Ducks	NHL	80	10	38	48	38
NHL totals			1,263	172	568	740	784	202	25	73	98	155

International

Year	Team	Tournament	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1991	Canada	WJC	3	0	0	0	0
1992	Canada	WJC	7	0	0	0	10
1996	Canada	WCH	8	1	3	4	6
2002	Canada	OLY	6	1	1	2	4
2004	Canada	WC	9	3	2	5	12
2004	Canada	WCH	6	1	1	2	9
2010	Canada	OLY	7	1	2	3	4
Junior career totals			10	0	0	0	10
Senior career totals			36	7	9	16	35

Awards and honours

Award	Year(s)
WHL
Western Conference First All-Star Team	1991, 1992
Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Trophy	1991
CHL Scholastic Player of the Year	1991
Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy	1992
NHL
NHL All-Rookie Team	1993
NHL First Team All-Star	2004, 2006, 2007
Second Team All-Star	1998
NHL All-Star Game appearances	1998, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009
James Norris Memorial Trophy	2004
Conn Smythe Trophy	2007
Stanley Cup Champion	1995, 2000, 2003, 2007
International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)
IIHF World Junior Championship All-Star Team	1992
Inductee, Hockey Hall of Fame	2013
Inductee, IIHF Hall of Fame	2015
Member, IIHF All-Time Canada Team	2020

References

Data and statistics:

External links