Ducks' Getzlaf retiring at end of season
Ryan Getzlaf is hanging 'em up.
The longtime Anaheim Ducks captain will retire at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, he announced Tuesday.
"It's been an honor to play in the NHL and spend my entire professional career with one organization," Getzlaf said. "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 is Anaheim's franchise leader in games played (1,150), assists (731), and points (1,013). He's spent his entire 17-year NHL career with the Ducks - 12 of them as captain.
The 36-year-old is one of the most decorated players of his era. In addition to winning a Stanley Cup in 2007, he's been highly successful on the international stage. Representing Canada, he's won two Olympic gold medals, a world junior gold medal, a U18 gold medal, and a World Cup.
He never took home any major individual hardware, but he was named a Hart Trophy runner-up and a second-team All-Star in 2013-14 when he recorded 31 goals and 87 points - four shy of his career high of 91 in 2008-09. Since entering the league as a rookie in 2005-06, Getzlaf ranks seventh in points and fifth in assists among all NHL skaters.
Getzlaf also showed up when it mattered most, recording 120 points in 125 career postseason contests. He led the Ducks with 17 points in 21 games during Anaheim's Cup run in 2007, and his career points-per-game rate in the playoffs (0.96) is better than his regular-season mark of 0.88.
The Regina, Saskatchewan, native has produced at an adequate rate during his final season. He's only scored three goals, but his 28 helpers are tied for second on the team behind rookie phenom Trevor Zegras.
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