The Anaheim Ducks will honour the franchise’s all-time leader in points by hanging his jersey in the rafters.
The Ducks will retire Ryan Getzlaf’s No. 15 on Jan. 15, before a home game against the Nashville Predators, the team announced Tuesday.
Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli shared the news on a phone call with Getzlaf in a social media post.
“Ryan Getzlaf’s impact on the Ducks will be felt for generations to come,” the Samuelis said in a statement. “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.”
Getzlaf, a Regina native, spent his entire 17-year NHL career with the Ducks after the team selected him with the 19th-overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft. During that time, he helped the team win its first and only Stanley Cup, in 2007.
Getzlaf retired after the 2021-22 season and remains the Ducks’ all-time leader in points (1,019), assists (737) and games played (1,157).
“My family and I are so grateful to the Samuelis and the Ducks organization for this incredible honour,” said Getzlaf in a statement. “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 longtime Ducks captain won two Olympic gold medals as a player with Canada, in 2010 and 2014. He also owns a pair of world junior medals, earning silver in 2004 and gold in 2005.
Getzlaf was recently announced as an assistant coach for Team Canada at this year’s world juniors.