Ducks Captain Ryan Getzlaf Plans to Retire After 2021-22 Season
It’s a sad day for hockey as another legend will say goodbye to the National Hockey League after this season.
Amid his 17th NHL season, Ducks icon Ryan Getzlaf is preparing to hang up his skates for good as he revealed plans to retire once the 2021-22 season concludes, the Anaheim Ducks announced Tuesday.
In a statement posted on the team site, Getzlaf remarked “It’s been an honor to play in the NHL and spend my entire professional career with one organization…None of this would have been possible without my family, who offered unwavering love and support each step of the way. Thank you to our owners, Henry and Susan Samueli, for leading an organization committed to success on the ice, but more importantly, to making a positive impact in our community and to those in need.”
“A special thanks to the general managers, coaches, support staff, teammates, and of course, our fans. Playing for the Ducks and living in Orange County is a dream for an athlete, and much of that is because of you. Thank you all.”
Getzlaf, 36, was named captain of the Ducks in 2010 and has remained in that leadership role ever since then. As a result, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound forward is the longest-tenured captain in franchise history.
The right-handed centre signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract extension last off-season after opting to remain in Anaheim through the 2020-21 trade deadline.
During his 17 seasons in Orange County, he’s won a Stanley Cup, has been named to three All-Star Games, was a runner-up for the Hart Trophy in 2013-14 and has led his club to 11 playoff berths.
Amongst all skaters in Ducks’ history, Getzlaf leads all-time in assists (731), points (1,013) and games played (1,150). He also currently ranks fourth on that list in goals (282), trailing Paul Kariya (300), Corey Perry (372) and Teemu Selanne (457).
On the global stage, Getzlaf was a part of Team Canada’s gold medal runs in 2010 and ‘14. Better yet, he was joined by his long-time teammate, Perry, during each of those Olympics.
The Ducks selected Getzlaf – a native of Regina, Saskatchewan – 19th overall during the 2003 NHL Draft. Since then, he’s gone on to become one of the most beloved figures in their community.
Before injuries began to plague his career, the right-hander was best known for his remarkable playmaking abilities, which saw him surpass the 50-assist mark eight separate times.
This season, however, he’s been limited to just 49 games and is currently unavailable due to a lower-body injury. Overall, he’s posted a trio of goals and 31 points while averaging 18:44 minutes of ice-time per night.
When the dust settles on Getzlaf’s career, he’s sure to become the fourth player in franchise history to have their jersey retired, joining Selanne, Kariya and Scott Niedermayer.
In the midst of Anaheim’s rebuild, the organization currently finds itself sitting sixth in the Pacific Division with a 28-31-12 record and 68 points. Prior to last month’s trade deadline, management shipped off key contributors Rickard Rakell, Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson.
The Ducks will finish the season in Dallas against the Stars on Apr. 29, which is expected to be Getzlaf’s final NHL game.
-Thomas Hall
Twitter: @ThomasHall85