Ducks to Retire Ryan Getzlaf’s No. 15 Following 1,019-Point Career

The Anaheim Ducks will retire Ryan Getzlaf’s No. 15 jersey on Jan. 30, honoring the franchise leader in games played and total points.

The Anaheim Ducks will officially retire number 15 to honor former captain Ryan Getzlaf during a pregame ceremony on Jan. 30. Owners Henry and Susan Samueli announced the distinction for the Saskatchewan native, who concluded a 17-year NHL career in April 2022. Getzlaf remains the most prolific scorer in franchise history, having recorded 1,019 points across a club-record 1,157 regular-season games. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at Honda Center before the Ducks host the Nashville Predators.

Throughout his tenure, Getzlaf established himself as the team’s all-time leader in assists and playoff scoring. He served as the Ducks' captain for his final 12 seasons, marking the longest captaincy in the history of the organization. His statistical dominance and longevity culminated in a 2007 Stanley Cup championship, a title he secured as a young forward alongside Corey Perry after both players were selected by Anaheim in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft.

Historic Franchise Milestones and Honors

Getzlaf’s jersey will be the fourth number ever retired by the Ducks organization. He joins an elite group of players in the rafters, including Teemu Selanne (8), Paul Kariya (9), and Scott Niedermayer (27). The Samuelis noted that while Getzlaf leads the club in games and points, his legacy is defined by his championship DNA and community contributions. During his peak years, he was recognized as a premier playmaking center, finishing as the runner-up for the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2014.

International success mirrored his professional achievements in Anaheim. Getzlaf earned two Olympic gold medals representing Team Canada, first in 2010 and again in 2014. His career was spent entirely with the Ducks organization, a rare feat for a player with a 17-season tenure. The upcoming January event will allow fans to celebrate these accolades alongside the teammates and support staff Getzlaf credited for his success.

Stanley Cup Reunion and Anniversary Events

The retirement ceremony serves as the centerpiece of a larger week of celebrations in Anaheim. On Jan. 28, two days prior to the jersey retirement, the Ducks will host a 20-year reunion for the 2007 Stanley Cup championship roster. This specific event will occur during a matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. It highlights the evolution of Getzlaf and Perry from rambunctious rookies into polished veterans who anchored the franchise for nearly two decades.

While Getzlaf has been retired for over two years, his former teammate Corey Perry continues to play in the NHL. The 41-year-old Perry is currently preparing for his 22nd professional season as a member of the Los Angeles Kings. The contrast between the two careers underscores the impact Getzlaf had during his 1,157-game run, all of which occurred in a Ducks sweater.

Legacy at Honda Center

In a statement regarding the honor, Getzlaf expressed gratitude to the Samueli family and the entire Ducks organization. He emphasized that the achievement would not have been possible without the coaches and teammates he worked with throughout his career. The Jan. 30 date provides a final opportunity for the Anaheim fan base to recognize the player who leads their franchise in every major offensive category.

By the time the banner is raised, Getzlaf will have his place cemented next to the greatest figures in Anaheim hockey history. The ceremony marks the end of an era for the playmaking center who defined Ducks hockey from his draft year in 2003 until his final game in 2022. The organization expects a significant turnout for both the Blackhawks reunion game and the subsequent Predators game where No. 15 will officially leave circulation.