Anaheim Ducks Favorite Player Series – Staff Picks

Josh Paulisin, Editor

Favorite Ducks Player: Ryan Getzlaf

Mar 12, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks center

(15) warms up against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

My fellow Michiganders always ask me how I became a Ducks fan. I could lie and say that I was born in Southern California and it just stuck when I moved to Michigan. But I’m always straight up with everyone and I will be with all of you.

Yes, I was a big fan of the Mighty Ducks trilogy. My parents bought me all three as a kid and I watched religiously. But I fell head over heels for the Ducks during Game 6 of the 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“Off the floor, on the board” still gives me chills.

Paul Kariya was the man and he will always be one of my favorite all-time Ducks along with defenseman Chris Pronger, but like I said, we’re keeping things current.

So for me right now, it’s Ryan Getzlaf. He epitomizes the perfect captain for any NHL team. Talented, tough, a vocal leader and also someone who leads by example.

“Captain Duck” was a finalist for the Hart Trophy last season and should continue to put up big numbers again in 2014-2015. He signed a eight-year contract extension during the lockout-shortened season that will keep him in Anaheim through the 2021-2022 season.

Getzlaf will go down as one of the greats in Anaheim and will see his number retired in the Honda Center rafters when the time comes.