The Anaheim Ducks lost again last night, adding just a single mark to the goals for column that they have struggled so much to fill this season. The team has just 33 goals in 17 games, the fewest on a per-game basis in the league and a historically low rate. They do have some offensive weapons pushing for a call-up but some wonder if the team should be selling off some expiring or aging assets to rebuild for the future. When you scroll over the Ducks’ CapFriendly page looking for potential trade chips, one name might stick out above all the rest: Ryan Getzlaf.
The 35-year-old center is on the last season of the eight-year, $66MM contract he signed in 2013 and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. That could potentially make him an attractive piece on the market, especially since he isn’t actually earning the $8.5MM cap hit that his contract carries. Getzlaf is owed just $6MM for the 2020-21 season, and half of that was in a signing bonus. That means he would come at a considerable discount for a cash-strapped contender, though obviously, the cap structure would need to work.
Hold that thought. Getzlaf also has a full no-movement clause in his contract and Frank Seravalli of TSN reported last night on Insider Trading that the Ducks have no plans to ask him to waive it at this time. The only way the veteran forward would be on the move is if he asked for a trade to go chase a Stanley Cup. That chase, which is so alluring to many of the league’s greatest players as they get to the twilight of their career, may not be so for Getzlaf, who already won a championship in 2007 with the Ducks.
There’s also the fact that he’s not the same Hart Trophy-level star that he once was, meaning the return wouldn’t likely be a big one. Getzlaf has just six points through 15 games, including zero even-strength goals. His ice time is down and he’s now just playing a support and leadership role as the team transitions to the next wave of talent.
As of now, it doesn’t appear as though he’ll be on the block. But Seravalli points out that could change if he “raises his hand” and tells the Ducks he wants to chase another ring.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
He’s not waiving his NTC unless the carrot is there. I wouldn’t want him as he has zero heart,no drive,and has been on career cash coast for 5+ years. A waste of a human being. Got your Cup & Gold early on-now get out.
IMO worth nothing,but the last two deadlines where they could have gotten something and eaten salary,he did nothing to help the Yucks.
A perfect marriage.
Interested clubs? PITT,NYI,WASH,COL-and straight up 50% max salary for a 2nd. But you will be disappointed.
Wow. A waste of a human being. What’s that make you Karen?
Better than one who questions why.
Are you his gardener?
You gotta bro fest with him? Let me guess,you know him personally,and I don’t mean he waved at your broad at a game.
Wow you literally have no idea what you’re talking about
Yikes guy, that’s pretty harsh. As an Edmonton fan I never liked him because he was dirty and very talented for many years. The kind of guy you love on your team. Waste of a human being? No. Even if what you say about him is true, which it’s not it by no means makes him a waste.
He has no chance of being delt. Hasn’t been good in 2/3 years.
Thing is he’s a quality role player/depth player on any team. He’s a 40 point player and on any other team wouldn’t be a top line player like he is with the ducks allowing him to be insulated a bit more. He’s obviously not worth the money but thankfully it’s his last year and if they retain cap he can basically go anywhere
I wonder if the ducks paid half and took byron back is there a deal to be made
Bowen Byram??? There is a less than ZERO percent chance of that happening.
I think he meant Paul Byron
50% Getzlaf on a team with some talent on the 2nd line might actually be ok.
AVS
Bill Guerin comes to mind when I see Getzlaf talked about. Guerin was regarded as done and a bad team guy before he came to Pens in 2009. He added an element of experience to a young team with a lot of talent. I can see Getzlaf going to Avs or Vegas to put them over the top.
The only teams that might want him would be bubble teams with iffy centers…looking at CHI, CGY or ARI.
Or TOR, because Dubas likes really old first round centers.
How about Getzlaf to Philly for the Ghost and the ducks don’t pay a cent..
dont really think that helps Philly
Gets philly out of Ghosts contract and gives them centre depth. But ya not a real sexy deal for either team
Regardless if he gets traded or signs elsewhere next year, expect to see Getzy somewhere in the Ducks organization soon after. Samueli loves the guy and Getzy already appears to be getting groomed for that level. Not to mention his wife is from Orange County and it’s tough to leave the Orange Curtain