Ryan Getzlaf

Anaheim Ducks all-time leading scorer and 2007 Stanley Cup champion.

Ryan Getzlaf (born May 10, 1985) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Getzlaf played his entire NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks and is the franchise's all-time leading scorer. A first-round selection, 19th overall, at the 2003 NHL entry draft, he played in three NHL All-Star Games and was a member of the Ducks' 2007 Stanley Cup championship team. A playmaker and power forward, Getzlaf is the Ducks' all-time leader in games played, assists, and points and the all-time playoff leader in goals, assists and points. Getzlaf joined the NHL's Hockey Operations department in 2024.

Quick Facts

Born: 10 May 1985
Birthplace: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Played for: Anaheim Ducks
Draft: 19th overall
Drafted by: Mighty Ducks of Anaheim

Lore & Background

As a junior, Getzlaf played four seasons with the Calgary Hitmen and was twice named to a Western Hockey League (WHL) all-star team. Internationally, he has represented Canada on numerous occasions. Getzlaf was a member of the 2005 World Junior Championship squad considered the greatest in Canadian history, and won a silver medal at the 2008 IIHF World Championship. A two-time Olympian, Getzlaf played with Canadian teams that won gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Games.

Reader's Guide

Getzlaf was born May 10, 1985, in Regina, Saskatchewan. He is the younger son of Steve and Susan Getzlaf, and has an older brother, Chris. He attended Robert Usher Collegiate in Regina. Growing up in an athletically minded family, both Ryan and Chris were encouraged to play several sports, particularly hockey and football.

Chris focused on football and ultimately joined their hometown Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League as a slotback. Ryan played tailback in football, and represented Saskatchewan as a catcher in a national youth baseball tournament, but focused on his hockey career when he was 5. While a member of the Regina Bantam AAA Rangers in 2000, Getzlaf was drafted into the Western Hockey League (WHL) by the Calgary Hitmen with the 54th pick in the 2000 WHL Bantam Draft.

He made his junior debut in 2001–02 and recorded 18 points in 63 games. He nearly quadrupled his offensive production as a 17-year-old in 2002–03 by scoring 29 goals and 68 points. His performance made him a top prospect for the 2003 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft; the NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked Getzlaf as the fifth best North American skater in the draft and he was taken in the first round, 19th overall, by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

The Mighty Ducks returned Getzlaf to the Hitmen for the 2003–04 season. He recorded 75 points in just 49 games and was named to the WHL's first all-star team. Due to the 2004–05 NHL lock-out, Getzlaf was again returned to Calgary for his fourth season of junior hockey. He was named team captain, but was briefly stripped of the title by the coaches after earning several misconduct penalties for arguing with the officials.

The captaincy was restored after a couple weeks, and Getzlaf moderated his interactions with referees. He also missed time during the season after suffering a concussion as a result of a hit by Dion Phaneuf of the Red Deer Rebels. Getzlaf finished the regular season with 54 points in 51 games, and after the Hitmen were eliminated from the WHL playoffs, was assigned to the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American Hockey League (AHL) for their own playoff run.

Getzlaf appeared in 10 post-season games for Cincinnati in his professional debut. He recorded one goal and four assists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was his role on the team?

As a versatile playmaker and power forward, he anchored the roster while serving as captain from 2010 until retirement. His leadership defined the franchise during his tenure.

What are his playoff achievements?

In addition to regular-season dominance, Getzlaf leads the franchise in playoff goals, assists, and total points. His postseason performance was crucial during their run to the title.

How did his career conclude?

After serving as captain since 2010, he eventually retired following a nearly twenty-year tenure with the organization. His departure marked the end of an era for the Ducks.