Anaheim Ducks 25th Anniversary: Best players to wear numbers 29-25

28 – Niclas Havelid (2000-2004)

Taken in 83rd overall by Anaheim in the 1999 Draft at age 28, Havelid would be a staple of the Mighty Ducks blueline of the early 2000’s. While somewhat unlucky with injuries at the beginning of his career,

Havelid really turned the corner in the 2002-03 season. In 82 games that season, the 29-year-old Swede would post 33 points (11G, 22A) to set his career high in points. This would also land him in 5th in points for Anaheim that year. The following season, his last in Anaheim, was also solid. He finished seven points short of his career best from the prior season and ranked second in ice time behind fellow defensemen, Ruslan Salei.

Niclas would be traded to Atlanta after the 2004 season, but wouldn’t suit up for them until the 2005-2006 season, following the NHL lockout. In five years with the Mighty Ducks, Havelid played in 310 games with a scoring total of 24G, 61A for 85 points.

27- Scott Niedermayer (2006-2010)

I think it’s kind of a no-brainer that Niedermayer is on this list. Scott came over to Anaheim in the summer of 2005, after the lockout, as a free agent, He joined his brother Rob as an Anaheim Ducks player.

Niedermayer was named team captain prior to the 2005-06season. In his tenure as Anaheim’s Captain, Niedermayer led Anaheim to its first Stanley Cup Championship in franchise history and take home the Conn Smythe (playoff MVP) in the series.

Niedermayer fell short of 300 points in a Ducks sweater by 36 points when he retired in 2010. “Nieds” played 371 games in the O.C. and holds the record for most points by Anaheim Ducks defenseman. The record is hotly pursued by current Ducks member Cam Fowler but is still incredible considering there are almost 200 games played separating the two (Fowler has played in 561 games).

Scott also still holds the franchise records for; most assists by a defenseman at 204, Most points by a defenseman in a single season at 69 points in 2006-07. Finally, has the most assists in a single season with 54 the same year.

Niedermayer’s contributions both on the ice as a player and off the ice as part of the organization has been a blessing to this franchise. He is rightfully being honored with the retirement of his number next February. It’s a great thank you for being a world-class leader and bringing Lord Stanley home to its rightful place in the OC.