The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed franchise icon Ryan Getzlaf. The veteran stays with the only organization he has ever known. This comes as multiple teams were reportedly interested in the veteran centre. Getzlaf signs a one-year deal with the Ducks.
**Breaking News** I’m told Getzlaf is signing a 1 Yr Deal to stay in Orange County with @AnaheimDucks .@espn @NHL @NHLNetwork #TSNHockey #HockeyTwitter
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) July 28, 2021
Ducks Re-Sign Ryan Getzlaf
Getzlaf is not what he once was, but the 35-year-old remains a productive skater in the later stages of his career. He scored just five goals and 12 assists for 17 points in 48 games last season. Getzlaf is also clearly still able to drive play with a 54.6 percent Corsi For and +8.4 relative Corsi. It’s a solid body of work in 2020-21 despite some seriously bad shot luck. He should have a few more goals than he does based on his 11.4 shot percentage up to last year. A new year could shake loose whatever is keeping Getzlaf from the scoresheet.
The Ducks originally drafted Getzlaf 19th overall in the 2003 Draft and have watched the 6′-4″ Regina, Saskatchewan native blossom into one of their best players. He is second in franchise scoring history with 982 points behind only Teemu Selanne. Getzlaf’s 279 goals are fourth behind Selanne, Corey Perry and Paul Kariya. He may not be a future Hall of Famer, but there is no doubt he meant a great deal to Anaheim over the past 16 seasons.
What This Means For The Future
Getzlaf has an ideal chance to end his career on a high note after this move. His new franchise doesn’t need him to be a top-six centre, but he can play anywhere in the top-nine if necessary. He should be a quality two-way skater that can score, distribute, and check the opposition.
On the other side, Anaheim clears a large amount of salary and furthers its rebuild. The assets they acquire as a result of this trade will hopefully help the organization return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017-18. Getzlaf isn’t the only player to trade this year, but he represents one of the most significant.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
