The Anaheim Ducks said Tuesday that Scott Niedermayer is "doubtful" for Wednesday night's game against the visiting Vancouver Canucks. On Tuesday afternoon, the four-time Stanley Cup winner confirmed that likelihood via telephone from Southern California. "That might be a bit too ambitious," he joked. But he added that he could be back in the Ducks' lineup later in the club's three-game homestand. Anaheim hosts Minnesota on Friday and San Jose on Sunday. Niedermayer, who started skating informally in November with a group that included former NHLers Travis Green and Jeff Friesen, said he feels pretty good. He doesn't, however, want to get ahead of himself. He figures he'll be running on adrenaline during his first game or two. After that, he's concerned about the possibility of running into a bit of a conditioning wall. Niedermayer announced his decision to return to the Ducks last week. He had taken time off to decide whether he wanted to retire. Niedermayer had two years and $13.5 million remaining on his contract. According to league rules, the Ducks suspended the 34-year-old defenseman without pay when he did not report to training camp with the rest of the team. So far, he has lost about $2.3 million in salary, an amount that will keep increasing until he plays his next game. Before Niedermayer can officially rejoin the club on the ice, GM Brian Burke has to clear about $900,000 of cap room from his 2008-09 budget. We can expect that move any minute now.