Just hours after speculation that Ryan Getzlaf could test the waters in free agency this summer, it now appears that he will run it back and sign an extension with the Anaheim Ducks, per ESPN's Emily Kaplan:
Things are getting close between Ryan Getzlaf and the Ducks, sources tell ESPN.
The deal is expected to get done for the captain to return to Anaheim.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) July 28, 2021
Ducks and Getzlaf still have to finalize the paperwork but this is where it's headed, the Ducks captain back for one year and $4.5M. Told that Dallas and Montreal showed strong interest. https://t.co/1ppdFLcMCc
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 28, 2021
This is great news for the Ducks, who get their captain back. Getzlaf is set to make just $4.5 million on a one-year deal, and as noted above, the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens were showing interest in the veteran center.
Getzlaf heads into his 17th NHL season, which have all been with the Ducks. The 36-year-old had a down year in 2020 though, scoring five goals and collecting only 17 points in 48 games. Anaheim ultimately missed out on the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
The Canadian is the all-time franchise leader in games played and assists while also sitting just six goals back of Ducks legend Teemu Selanne for team history. This is definitely an important signing for Anaheim as they get the heart and soul of their organization back.
Getzlaf has won one Stanley Cup in his career, back in the 2006/07 season, and has also made three All-Star game appearances. Also, who wouldn't want to remain in sunny Southern California anyway? Ryan Getzlaf made the right decision as he looks to steer the Ducks' ship in the right direction again.
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