Best NHL captain from each franchise: Anaheim Ducks – Scott Niedermayer
The days when captain Scott Niedermayer was on the ice representing the Anaheim Ducks are very fondly remembered by fans everywhere. There are very few defensemen who can hit as hard and viciously as Niedermayer did but he was truly a force in his years as captain of the Ducks.
Back in 2006, Niedermayer helped bring the first and so far, only Stanley Cup championship to the Heart of Orange County. Mostly known for winning three Stanley Cup championships with the New Jersey Devils beforehand, Niedermayer was exactly the driving force needed for the Ducks to become champions due to his experience with rallying his team in the heat of the moment.
Niedermayer helped the Ducks in their championship-winning season by having one of the best years of his historic career, especially in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He led the cause as captain by contributing 11 points in the postseason as the Ducks went to raise the Stanley Cup with a player that everyone knew was playing on an extraordinary level.
Once Niedermayer retired, he’s been honored in so many ways, it truly puts his career in perspective. One can only imagine how much pride he has when thinking back on his 20-year hockey career as he’s already been inducted into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame the very first year he was eligible back in 2013.