Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke claimed in late June he wouldn't seek a potential replacement for Scott Niedermayer if the Smythe-winning blueliner announced his retirement. He also claimed he'd be shopping for bargains in the UFA market this summer.

Once again, Burke pulls the wool over everyone's eyes, signing former Detroit Red Wings blueliner Mathieu Schneider to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million next season and $5.75 million in 2008-09.

This signing means Burke signed Schneider as insurance in case Niedermayer retires, or it means the Ducks captain has decided to pack it in.

If Niedermayer returns, the Ducks would have an even more formidable blueline but one with considerable coin tied up in three defensemen (Niedermayer, Schneider and Chris Pronger), so it's probably safe to assume that Niedermayer will retire.

Burke said that there was no way he could possibly replace Niedermayer via free agency, but Schneider isn't exactly chopped liver. Despite his age (38), Schneider has proven capable of posting strong numbers, particularly offensively, and he's proven to be better defensively now than he was earlier in his career.

He won't replace Niedermayer's leadership and Norris-contending talent, but he'll still make the Ducks blueline a formidable one and if he can stay healthy should mesh well with the team.

The Wings had hoped to re-sign Schneider, and could now turn their attention to re-upping blueliner Danny Markov and perhaps trying to lock up forward Todd Bertuzzi.

Still, losing Schneider takes away a valuable component in their offensive attack. He'll be tough to replace.

**UPDATE**

Ducks GM Brian Burke released a statement indicating that Niedermayer contacted him Sunday morning to inform Burke he was considering retirement and advising the Ducks GM to make alternate plans for his replacement.