The Ducks re-signed Ryan Getzlaf on Wednesday, during a frenzied first day of NHL free agency, ensuring their longest-tenured captain and second-leading all-time scorer returns for a 17th season with the team. The contract is for one season and $4.5 million, according to a league source.
Getzlaf, a 36-year-old center, has played 1,101 games and scored 982 points in a Hall of Fame-worthy career that has featured a Stanley Cup championship with the Ducks in 2006-07 and gold medals with Canada at the Winter Olympics in 2010 and ‘14. He has captained the Ducks since 2010-11.
His role is likely to change, though.
In fact, Getzlaf was shifted from the first line to the fourth near the end of last season and he was dropped from the first power-play unit to the second, signs of what could be to come in 2021-22, as the Ducks’ transition to a younger, faster and more skillful team continues.
Getzlaf’s production has slipped in recent seasons, dipping to only five goals and 12 assists in 48 games during the pandemic-shortened 56-game 2020-21 season. He needs six points to tie Hall of Fame right wing Teemu Selanne for the franchise record of 988 points.
“It was always our intention to sign Ryan, and we are thrilled he chose to stay,” Ducks general manager Bob Murray said in a statement. “His loyalty to this franchise is unique in pro sports, and it is our hope he remains a Duck for his entire career.”
Nevertheless, Getzlaf went through the process of speaking to other teams before agreeing to stay with the Ducks. He referred to Wednesday as a “fun day,” having never been through unrestricted free agency during his NHL career, which began in 2005-06.
“I’m excited,” he said during a Zoom call. “This was a unique opportunity, a unique experience for me, something I hadn’t been through in my whole career. I learned a lot of things today and, ultimately, ended up exactly where I wanted to be. … There’s more than me involved in this. I’ve got my whole family.”
Getzlaf said in addition to extended discussions with his agent, Gerry Johansson, he also spoke at length with wife, Paige, and their four children. There also was his Ducks family to consider. After all, it’s the only NHL organization he has known after he was drafted in the first round in 2003.
“When I talked about possibly moving somewhere, possibly uprooting my family, leaving my Ducks family behind, it was a scary thought,” he said. “There was a lot that went into it and a lot of discussions over the last few days my wife and I had, and even my kids. We talked a little bit.
“Then there’s the Ducks family, everyone I know around the rink, the staff and, first and foremost, the fans who we’re so excited to have back this year. Ultimately, we worked through it with me and Bob and Jeff (Solomon, the Ducks’ senior vice president of hockey operations). I’m just so grateful to be back again.”
Getzlaf, Danton Heinen, Carter Rowney and Andy Welinski and minor leaguer Andrew Poturalski became unrestricted free agents Wednesday. Max Comtois, Max Jones, Isac Lundestrom, Josh Mahura and Sam Steel became restricted free agents.
Two other unrestricted free agents in the Ducks’ organization signed elsewhere, with Andrew Agozzino signing with the Ottawa Senators and Chase De Leo, a La Mirada native, signing with the New Jersey Devils. Agozzino and De Leo spent most of last season with San Diego of the AHL.
In addition, the Ducks completed their overhaul of the coaching staff, announcing the additions of Daniel Jacob and Max Talbot to the staff of new San Diego Gulls coach Joel Bouchard. Murray hired Bouchard to replace Kevin Dineen earlier this month.
Getzlaf said he’s on board with Murray’s rebuilding project, and not for the first time.
“I’ve been here long enough to understand the vision,” he said. “I understand the vision and the plan that he’s on. Over the last couple of years, that’s his job. I’ve been trying to stick to mine as much as I can, and I plan to do it this year, as well. I’m looking forward to getting going. This is an exciting time.
“We have a little ways to go. We have some things to do. Hopefully, Bob can do a little bit more and fill a few holes for us. Our (coaching) staff changed a little bit. I’m excited about the new coaches. My belief is extremely high and my expectations are high. I’d like to take that big step forward this year.”
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