Ducks Captain Ryan Getzlaf Announces Retirement

Ducks Captain Ryan Getzlaf; Photo Credit: NHLPA

About Getzlaf

On Tuesday, Anaheim Ducks captain, Ryan Getzlaf, announced he will retire from the NHL after this season. The 36-year-old has captained the Ducks for the past 11 seasons and has played his entire 17-year career with them. At the moment, he is injured, but he plans to play a few more games to conclude the season. He hopes to play in the final home game of the season on April 24. Getzlaf could begin skating as early as Thursday.

To stay with the Ducks, Getzlaf signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal ahead of this season. Sources say Getzlaf informed teammates last week that he was retiring. A role for Getzlaf in the Ducks’ front office has not yet been formalized, but he has previously spoken to team ownership about joining after retirement.

Having been drafted by Anaheim in 2003 at No. 19 in the first round, Getzlaf is one of only 13 players in NHL history to win two Olympic gold medals (with Canada, 2010 and 2014) and a Stanley Cup (2007). For a total of 1,013 points in 1,150 NHL games, Getzlaf has scored 282 goals and compiled 731 assists. As a regular season and playoff player, Getzlaf holds the record for Anaheim’s highest goal scorer.

Words From Ducks Owners Henry and Susan Samueli

“We are so proud of everything Ryan has accomplished in an amazing 17 years playing for the Ducks,” they said in a statement. “While we will all remember his leadership qualities on the ice, it is his community-first approach that has cemented his legacy in Orange County. In addition to spearheading the Ducks Learn to Play Program and numerous other organizational charitable initiatives, he launched his own such event with the Annual Getzlaf Shootout to benefit CureDuchenne, raising over $4.27 million to date.”

Words From Getzlaf

“It’s been an honor to play in the NHL and spend my entire professional career with one organization,” he said in a statement. “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.”

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