While it's possible Scott Niedermayer will make a decision on his playing future either today or tomorrow, the Anaheim Ducks aren't pressuring him to do so.
Ducks general manager Brian Burke called Niedermayer on Wednesday to tell him Friday wasn't a deadline established by the Ducks, adding the real deadline for the team is July 1.
Niedermayer's agent Kevin Epp stirred things up on Wednesday by saying his client hoped to have an answer by Friday, noting "Scott always wants to do what's best for the team."
Burke's call may offer temporary reprieve as Niedermayer's focus remains on his family and the scheduled birth of his fourth child on Friday.
It was reported last month, the Ducks gave Niedermayer and soon-to-be free agent Teemu Selanne a draft day deadline to make their intentions known on playing in 2008/09.
As to what Niedermayer's answer will be, not even his agent seems certain.
"We hope to have an answer Friday with what he hopes to do with his future in hockey," Epp told TSN on Wednesday. "I couldn't say one way or the other. I think he doesn't even know somedays. I think he thinks one way, maybe retirement might be great but he also enjoys playing hockey, it has been a huge part of his life, I think he would like to continue that way."
After the Ducks' Stanley Cup win in 2007, Niedermayer considered retirement and did not play until Dec. 16 of the 2007/08 season. Over his 48 regular season games, he scored eight goals with 25 points and a minus-2 rating last season.
