Their hopes of winning consecutive Stanley Cup championships in ruins, the Anaheim Ducks now face another off-season with questions about the futures of Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne, along with speculation they could soon lose their general manager.


ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Dan Wood reports neither Scott Niedermayer or Teemu Selanne were willing to commit one way or the other regarding retirement or returning next season. Both missed half of this season before deciding to return to action after mulling retirement.



TORONTO STAR: Damien Cox reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have made Ducks GM Brian Burke their number one target as their new GM and could commence their pursuit immediately with the Ducks now eliminated from the playoffs.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: It's possible Niedermayer or Selanne could make their decisions as early as this week, but one thing's for sure, the team certainly won't give them as much time to reach a decision as it did last year. Expect Burke (or his replacement?) to push these two to decide on returning or retirement by no later than July 1st. As for Burke, he's played coy over the prospect of becoming the Leafs GM for months, and with the Ducks eliminated we can expect the Toronto media to be breathlessly following the Leafs anticipated attempts to court him.