The Anaheim Ducks have named Ryan Getzlaf the team’s new player development co-ordinator.
Getzlaf will work alongside director of player development Jim Johnson to prepare and educate Anaheim’s prospects in their transition to professional hockey.
The 38-year-old rejoins the Ducks after playing his entire 17-season NHL career with Anaheim. He was selected in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft.
“I am so excited to be back in a role where I feel I can help our young players, who are the focal point of both the future and present of our hockey club,” Getzlaf said. “This opportunity will give me the chance to help them in the critical years of their development and share the many years of experiences that I have had. I would also like to thank Pat (Verbeek) and his staff for giving me the chance to come in and learn, as well as help where I can.”
Getzlaf retired after the 2021-22 season and remains the Ducks all-time leader in points (1,019), assists (737) and games played (1,157). During his time with the Ducks, Getzlaf helped the team win the Stanley Cup for the first time in 2007.
“We are thrilled to have a player of Ryan’s stature stay with the club into his post-playing career,” general manager Pat Verbeek said. “His experience and knowledge from his NHL and international career will be invaluable for our young prospects. He can help prospects reach their full potential on and off the ice based on his 17 years as an NHL player and valuable insight of the necessary steps from junior or college hockey to the NHL.”
Anaheim has many top young players looking to help them become a contender again led by Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, and defenceman Jamie Drysdale,
The Ducks also have the second overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and six picks in the first three rounds.