Schneider Bolts Wings for Ducks

Defenseman Mathieu Schneider has left the Detroit Red Wings, signing as an unrestricted free agent with the Anaheim Ducks.

Schneider’s two-year deal with Anaheim will pay him $5.5 million next season and $5.75 million the following campaign.

Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, Schneider had also played for the New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings before joining the Red Wings in a trade-deadline deal in 2003.

Schneider had almost left the Red Wings once before, when he became a free agent following the 2003-04 season. It had been announced that he would not be returning to Detroit but the two sides were able to agree to terms on a deal following the lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 season.

With Schneider now in the fold, Anaheim defenseman Scott Niedermayer is expected to announce his retirement.