Ice man got what he deserved

The Anaheim Ducks are retiring Ryan Getzlaf’s No. 15 jersey on Jan. 30, 2027. The honor will take place before their game against the Nashville Predators.

The Ducks will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2007 Stanley Cup win when they play the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 28. The game is part of the team’s “Legacy Nights” series.

Getzlaf spent 17 seasons with Anaheim before retiring in 2022. He won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007 and ended his career with 1,019 points in 1,157 games.

The NHL shared the jersey retirement announcement on X, and fans reacted in the replies. One fan wrote:

“The ice man got what he deserved”

Another added:

“One club man. Delivered Lord Stanley… No doubt he deserves it”

One user wrote:

“Corey Perry should have never left. We could have retired his number too”

Another simply wrote:

“Well deserved 👏”

One more said:

“Awesome for them! #NHL”

Getzlaf also won five gold medals with Canada during his career. They came at the 2003 U-18 World Championship, 2005 World Junior Championship, 2010 and 2014 Olympics, and 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Ryan Getzlaf ranks among the Ducks’ all-time greats

Ryan Getzlaf finished his Ducks career as the franchise leader in games played and points. He suited up 1,150 times for Anaheim and finished with 1,013 points and 731 assists.

He moved past Teemu Selanne to become the Ducks’ all-time leading scorer on Oct. 31, 2021, after picking up an assist. Just over two weeks later, he recorded his 1,000th NHL point against the Washington Capitals.

Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli also pointed to what Getzlaf meant to the franchise beyond the numbers.

“Ryan Getzlaf’s impact on the Ducks will be felt for generations to come,” said Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli. “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 was a three-time NHL All-Star and finished with 700 assists, a mark reached by only 56 players in league history. He also ranks 88th all-time in NHL points and 51st in assists.

Getzlaf thanked the Samuelis, the Ducks and the people he worked with during his career.

“My family and I are so grateful to the Samuelis and the Ducks organization for this incredible honor,” said Getzlaf. “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.”

Edited by Sonali Verma