The Anaheim Ducks have locked Ryan Getzlaf in for the long-term.
The team announced Friday afternoon that they have signed their captain to an eight-year contract extension with an annual average value of $8.25 million. The extension carries a total value of $66 million.
"This is a wonderful day for my family, as Anaheim has become our home," said Getzlaf, a native of Saskatchewan. "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."
The extension will pay Getzlaf $6.5 million in 2013-14 including a $2 million signing bonus. The rest of the contract breaks down as follows: $8.75 million in 2014-15, $9.25 million for 2015-16 through 2017-18, $8.95 million in 2018-19, $8.275 million 2019-20. In 2020-21 he will make $6 million, including a $3 million signing bonus.
Getzlaf was slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2012-13 season.
“He has often expressed his interest to stay in Anaheim for his entire career, a goal we share," said Ducks general manager Bob Murray. "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.”
In 22 games so far in 2013 the 27-year-old Getzlaf has scored nine goals and 18 assists.
Originally selected in the first round (19th overall) in 2003 by Anaheim, Getzlaf has scored 147 and 353 assists for 499 points in 534 career regular season games with the Ducks. He has appeared in 62 career playoff games with the Ducks, scoring 18 goals and 35 assists. He won the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007.
Getzlaf has represented Canada internationally at the 2010 Olympics, scoring three goals and four assists in seven games with Canada's gold medal-winning men's team. He has also represented Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2004 and 2005, winning gold in his second tournament. He has also represented Canada at the IIHF World Championships in 2008 and 2012, winning silver in 2008.
