ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they will retire the jersey number of their longtime captain, Ryan Getzlaf, during a special ceremony scheduled for January 30. This momentous occasion will honor Getzlaf's remarkable contributions to the franchise throughout his 17-year career, which he spent entirely with the Ducks.
Getzlaf, who retired in April 2022, is a legendary figure in Ducks history, holding the record for the most points scored in franchise history with 1,019. He achieved this milestone over 1,157 games, making him the all-time leader in assists and playoff scoring for the team. His tenure as captain lasted for an impressive 12 seasons, the longest in the team's history, showcasing his leadership and commitment to the organization.
Throughout his career, the Saskatchewan native was recognized as one of the premier playmaking centers in the NHL. He led the Ducks to a Stanley Cup championship in 2007 and represented Canada on the international stage, winning Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014. In 2014, he was also a finalist for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the league's Most Valuable Player, further cementing his status as one of the game's greats.
In a statement, Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli expressed their admiration for Getzlaf, stating, “Ryan Getzlaf’s impact on the Ducks will be felt for generations to come. While no player in club history played more games or scored more points, it’s his leadership, championship DNA and community contributions we will remember most. He’s a legacy player who rightfully will have his jersey hung alongside Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya and Scott Niedermayer at Honda Center.”
With the retirement of Getzlaf’s No. 15, he will join an elite group of Ducks legends, including Teemu Selanne (No. 8), Paul Kariya (No. 9), and Scott Niedermayer (No. 27), whose numbers have also been retired by the franchise.
In response to this honor, Getzlaf expressed his gratitude, saying, “My family and I are so grateful to the Samuelis and the Ducks organization for this incredible honor. None of this would be possible without all the amazing teammates, coaches and support staff I had in my career. I thank them all and can’t wait to celebrate in front of our great fans in January.”
The ceremony will take place during a game against the Nashville Predators, providing fans an opportunity to celebrate Getzlaf's legacy. Additionally, the Ducks will hold a reunion celebration for the 2007 Stanley Cup championship team just two days prior, during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. This event will commemorate the achievements of that iconic team, which included both Getzlaf and Corey Perry, who were drafted by Anaheim in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft.
As the Ducks prepare for this significant event, the organization reflects on the profound impact Getzlaf has had on the franchise and the community, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
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