The Kings are expected to make a pitch for soon-to-be free agent Marian Hossa, though they're probably too far from Stanley Cup contention to attract his interest. They might have a shot at productive but injury-prone winger Marian Gaborik but could be reluctant to do anything but a short deal.
The Ducks have the 15th pick today, and they're hoping that before their name is called Niedermayer will tell them whether he plans to return, retire, or leave as a free agent.
His decision will affect their strategy in the draft, trade talks and in the free agency period that begins July 1.
If he returns -- the answer they're hoping for -- economics and a need to get younger might lead them to trade Chris Pronger, who has one season left at a salary cap hit of $6.25 million.
They want to keep restricted free agent James Wisniewski, who's in line for a big raise over the $900,000 he earned last season, but they might not be able to afford Wisniewski, Pronger and defenseman Francois Beauchemin.
The hard-hitting Beauchemin, who made an impressive comeback from knee surgery to be an impact player during the playoffs, has said he will explore free agency.
His muscle and offensive skills should attract lots of big offers.
Another payroll-cutting option for the Ducks would be to get goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere to waive his no-trade clause, which he might do if he were again consigned to back up Jonas Hiller.
Giguere's cap hit of $6 million for each of the next two seasons is another potential obstacle to any move.
General Manager Bob Murray said he was "a fair ways apart" on a deal with Wisniewski but wasn't concerned.
He also said he had talked to Niedermayer a couple of times and had the sense the 35-year-old defenseman was undecided about next season.
"I'm not in limbo. I don't feel any of that at the moment," Murray said. "I'm fine. I'm going forward with the things I've got to do."
And he'll start doing them today.
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helene.elliott@latimes.com
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BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX
Top prospects
Top five prospects for today's NHL draft (4 p.m. PDT, Versus):
John Tavares, center, London, Ontario Hockey League
Has a great knack around the net and in the slot and was the most valuable player in Canada's world junior championship triumph. Had 58 goals and 104 points in 56 games last season. Not huge, at 6-0 and 200 pounds, but has good hands and is considered ready to step in and become an impact player.
