They will join Teemu Selanne as the only Anaheim players to have their numbers retired. Selanne's No. 8 was retired Jan. 11, 2015.
Kariya was the first player drafted by the Ducks, selected with the No. 4 pick in the 1993 NHL Draft. He had 669 points (300 goals, 369 assists) in 606 games with Anaheim from 1994-2003. He ranks third in goals and fourth in assists and points in Ducks history. The forward was captain from 1996-2003 and had 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) in 35 Stanley Cup Playoff games with Anaheim. He won the Lady Byng Trophy in 1995-96 and 1996-97, and was voted to the NHL First All-Star Team three times with Anaheim (1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017.
"This is not something I ever dreamed would happen," Kariya said. "I am very grateful to the community for their support, and I look forward to celebrating this special evening in October with all Ducks fans."
Niedermayer was with the Ducks from 2005-10, and was the captain of the Stanley Cup championship team in 2007, when he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He had 264 points (60 goals, 204 assists) in 371 regular-season games with Anaheim, most among Ducks defensemen, and had 34 points (eight goals, 26 assists) in 56 playoff games. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
"What an incredible honor," Niedermayer said. " I'm very grateful to have played for such an incredible organization in front of amazing Ducks fans. I'm also grateful for the amazing teammates, coaches and training staff I was able to work with in Anaheim. Together we achieved great things."
Niedermayer, who had his No. 27 retired by the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 16, 2011, will become the eighth player in NHL history to have his number retired by two NHL teams. He'll join Bobby Hull (Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets), Gordie Howe (Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers), Wayne Gretzky (Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, also retired League-wide), Ray Bourque (Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche), Mark Messier (New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers), Patrick Roy (Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens) and Tim Horton (Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs).
"Although Paul and Scott played in different eras of Ducks hockey, they shared similar traits: to captain the Ducks with class, dignity and determination," Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli said. "Paul Kariya and Scott Niedermayer both had an enormous impact on our franchise."
Tweet from @AnaheimDucks: Two franchise icons, immortalized and celebrated forever. #Ducks25 pic.twitter.com/dVTySVT69K
