DUCKS: NIEDERMAYER COULD BE A GO.

Byline: J.P. Hoornstra

Staff Writer

ANAHEIM -- It would be both cliche and incorrect to say the dust has settled in the Ducks' clubhouse.

Andy McDonald, Geoff Platt and Bruno St. Jacques no longer hold nameplates there, but Doug Weight and Bobby Ryan's have yet to be hung.

Scott Niedermayer, meanwhile, had both a nameplate and a full complement of uniforms Saturday -- everything but the official word from coach Randy Carlyle that he would make his season debut tonight against the San Jose Sharks.

But, Carlyle said, "If he (Niedermayer) thinks he's ready to play, we would be very foolish to hold him up."

Asked if he was ready after Saturday's practice, Niedermayer said, "I believe I am."

In all likelihood then, tonight will mark the debut of the Ducks' newly minted defense with Niedermayer, Chris Pronger, Mathieu Schneider and Francois Beauchemin at the top. Those four have combined for 484 NHL goals and seven Stanley Cup championships between them.

Weight, acquired from the Blues on Friday in exchange for Andy McDonald, might also play tonight even though he didn't arrive in time to practice Saturday.

"You respect a veteran guy -- he has three children at home," Carlyle said of Weight. "We're not worried about his lack of commitment to coming here, or lack of ability to perform."

For Ryan, recalled Saturday from Portland (Maine) of the American Hockey League, this will be his second tour of duty with the Ducks.

DUCKS

TODAY

vs. San Jose, 5 p.m., Honda Center.

TV/Radio: FSN Prime Ticket; 830-AM.