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After nearly two decades spent entirely with the Anaheim Ducks, it appears iconic long-time captain Ryan Getzlaf will finally have his iconic #15 retired and hung among the other great numbers displayed at Honda Center. Getzlaf is the franchise’s all-time leader in all three main statistical categories – games played, assists, and total points – during his incredible 17-year playing career, and he will go down as the cornerstone of the franchise.
Drafted 19th overall at the famed 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Getzlaf immediately helped guide the Ducks to their first ever Stanley Cup championship in 2007, while taking over captaincy from teammate and fellow legend Teemu Selanne in 2010, and holding it down for 12 consecutive seasons while playing one of the more dominant and vision-filled offensive power-forward games in the game today; he had 1,019 points, the most points the franchise has ever had on 282 goals and 737 assists, over 1,157 games in the regular season. On top of that, he was a role model and a key component in both the charitable and mentoring duties of leading a team through its various transitions and newfound stars, not the least of which includes current core members of the club. His jersey number becomes retired alongside a number of other legendary athletes such as current linemates Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, and Scott Niedermayer.
It’s a fitting way for Ducks fans to show their appreciation to a legendary athlete, a tenacious leader who exemplifies a fighter’s instinct, and a professional and an athlete unparalleled in sports today: A tribute to what the No. 15 means, and what inspiration it will continue to provide to those who wear the green and orange.
Source: National Hockey League (NHL) Official Announcements / Anaheim Ducks Franchise History Records (2025-2026).
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