Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf, the franchise's all-time leader in points and games played, announced on Tuesday that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season. The 36-year old center has spent his entire 17-year career with the Ducks and has served as the team's captain for the past 11 seasons.
"It's been an honor to play in the NHL and spend my entire professional career with one organization," Getzlaf 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."
Getzlaf is currently dealing with a lower-body injury and is not in the Ducks' lineup. However, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan, he is expected to be back skating as soon as Thursday and be back in the lineup for Ducks' final home game on April 24.
Getzlaf was the No. 19 pick in the 2003 NHL Draft by the Ducks and helped the franchise win a Stanley Cup in the 2006-07 campaign. The star center has scored 282 goals and recorded 731 assists in 1,150 NHL games across his 17-year career. He is alsoone of just 13 players in league history to win two Olympic medals and a Stanley Cup.
