Ducks sign Getzlaf to eight-year extension

The Anaheim Ducks signed captain Ryan Getzlaf to an eight-year contract extension, the club announced Friday.

The deal is worth $66 million and carries an annual cap hit of $8.25 million.

The valued centreman would have become an unrestricted free agent after this season and was one of two elite pending UFAs on the Ducks’ roster. The other, forward Corey Perry, has yet to re-sign.

Getzlaf, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Ducks, won a Stanley Cup with the club in 2007 and an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada in 2010.

He is now under contract with the Ducks through the 2020-21 NHL season.

 

“We are very happy to have Ryan committed to this franchise long-term,” said Ducks executive vice president and general manager Bob Murray in a press release. “He has often expressed his interest to stay in Anaheim for his entire career, a goal we share. He is a leader, a proven winner, and possesses a skill set that’s hard to find. This is a great day for the Ducks.”

The 27-year-old Getzlaf has scored 499 points in 534 games with Anaheim, establishing himself as one of the NHL’s top playmakers.

Getzlaf is in the midst of an outstanding season for the Ducks, who have the NHL’s second-best record behind Chicago. Getzlaf has nine goals and 18 assists in just 22 games.

 

Carolina Hurricanes centre Eric Staal also carries a $8.25-million cap hit. Only Alex Ovechkin (9.54 million), Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby ($8.7 million each) carry a higher hit than Getzlaf will.

“I’m extremely thankful to the Samuelis, Michael Schulman, Bob Murray and the entire Ducks organization for the opportunity to remain in Anaheim for the long-term,” Getzlaf said in the press release. “This is a wonderful day for my family, as Anaheim has become our home. The fans here have treated me very well, and I look forward to being part of a winning hockey team and contributing to the Orange County community for years to come.”

 

(with files from CP)

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