Anaheim Ducks: Celebrating Fifteen Years With Getzlaf and Perry

June marks the 15 year anniversary since the Anaheim Ducks drafted two of the most instrumental players in franchise history. These two men have stayed loyal, consistent, and are continually making their mark in the Anaheim Ducks history books.

The 2003 entry draft is said to have been the most successful draft year in NHL history. From this draft, many paramount NHL players were born and continue to be a powerhouse on the ice. However, as lucky as many of the teams were that year, none were so fortunate as the Anaheim Ducks.

The 2003 draft brought you players such as first overall pick, goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury. He recently led the Vegas Golden Knights expansion team to the Stanley Cup Finals. Brent Burns is another member of that class who became an NHL all-star. He is a defensive stalwart for our rivals, the San Jose Sharks.

Patrick Eaves, a future Anaheim Duck, was drafted as Ottawa’s 29th, first round pick. Ryan Kesler, who would be traded to the Ducks and help create what I have dubbed the “holy trinity” of Anaheim, was drafted that year as well.

However, for the Ducks, the most notable players that year were Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. In honor of the dynamic duo’s 15 year anniversary, let’s take a look back on how they have left their mark on the Ducks.

Ryan Getzlaf

Ryan Getzlaf was the Anaheim Ducks first round pick, 19th overall, of the 2003 entry draft. The 18-year-old Regina, Saskatchewan native had just come off of a playoff run, that had ended prematurely after five games, with the Calgary Hitmen.

He made his first NHL appearance with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim during the 2005-06 season, at the age of 20. During his first season as a Duck, the rookie center netted an impressive 14 goals, added 25 helpers, for a total of 39 points, in 57 games. At such a young age, he was already producing numbers similar to his veteran teammate, Rob Niedermayer.

During his tenure with the Ducks, Getzlaf has played 917 games, netted 247 goals, contributed 628 helpers, and has snatched up a total of 875 points.

Statistics aside, Ryan Getzlaf’s greatest accomplishment has been his position as captain for the Ducks. He was given the honor of wearing the “C” in 2010. Getzlaf has spent eight seasons at the helm, the longest residency held by any of the previous Anaheim Ducks captains.

Corey Perry

Corey Perry’s draft story is very similar to that of his counterpart, Ryan Getzlaf. Perry was chosen by the Anaheim Ducks, as the 28th pick, in the first round of the 2003 entry draft.

An 18-year-old Corey Perry had just come off of a playoff run with the London Knights. However, their playoff season was short lived when the Knights were knocked out in the semifinals.

Corey Perry made his NHL debut with the Mighty Ducks during the 2005-06 season, at the age of 20, straight out of training camp. During his first season as a Duck, Perry netted 13 goals, added 12 helpers, and procured himself 25 points.

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This earned him the spot as one of the Ducks top ten point producers of the season. A notable accomplishment considering it was his first season in the NHL.

During his 13 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, he has been responsible for 366 goals, 400 helpers, and 766 points during 957 games. Contrary to popular belief, he has stayed relatively consistent in point production.

Corey Perry’s greatest personal accomplishment as a Duck was winning the Hart trophy for the 2010-11 season. A player is only awarded the Hart trophy when it is determined that he is the most valuable player for his team.

The same season, he was awarded the Maurice Richards trophy. This trophy is awarded to the leading goal scorer of the season.

The Dynamic Duo

Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry have been together since the beginning of their NHL careers. Not much has changed between the two of them, aside from their obvious lack of hair.

Considering everything they have accomplished with the Ducks, Getzlaf and Perry are still topics of controversy.

As of late, reports of Corey Perry being on the trade block have been swirling through NHL rumor mill. However, I implore that all of you jump off this ridiculous “trade Corey Perry” bandwagon.

A lot of people have also had a few choice words for our captain, Ryan Getzlaf.

Yes, it is true that the game of hockey is constantly evolving. However, as the game has changed, these two have kept up and are still two of Anaheim’s biggest point producers.

Together, these two have been responsible in helping the Ducks reach so many important franchise milestones.

In their 13 seasons with Anaheim, they have made 11 playoff appearances. Getzlaf has been responsible for 37 playoff goals and 83 assists. Over his playoff career, Perry has produced similar numbers; credited with 36 playoff goals and 53 helpers.

They were also a part of the team when the Ducks won the Stanley Cup in 2007. Both men played a significant part in bringing Lord Stanley to California.

Unfortunately, the Getzlaf/Perry dynasty will someday come to an end. Until then, let us appreciate what we have while we still have it. It’s not every year that the Ducks walk away with two incredible draft picks. Their loyalty to the team over the past 15 years is something we should all admire.

Next: Ducks expansion mock draft

I can only hope their NHL story can end the same way it began: dressed in a Ducks sweater.