Pucks of a Feather
Fansided

Anaheim Ducks: The Top 5 Centers in Franchise History

By Chris Bushell

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 16: Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks smiles during the game against the Detroit Red Wings on March 16, 2018 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 16: Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks smiles during the game against the Detroit Red Wings on March 16, 2018 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks
VANCOUVER, BC: Saku Koivu #11 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates after scoring a goal on March 29, 2014, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /

5 – Saku Koivu (2009-20,14)

Like the two players mentioned above, Saku Koivu joined the Ducks well into his career. After 13 years in Montreal, Koivu saw the perfect storm brewing. With the Habs looking to get younger and the chance to play with fellow countryman and friend Teemu Selanne, this was a no-brainer. The Ducks also needed a 2/3C and Koivu fit that bill.

Koivu played five seasons with the Ducks compiling 64-127-191. These 191 points have Koivu ranked 15th All-Time in points for the Ducks and fifth all-time among Ducks centers. If there was one down-side to Koivu it was his post-seaosn numbers.

The playoffs seemed too quick for Koivu late in his career and it showed on the stat sheet. He played 26 total games scoring 11 points but a -9 rating was his Achilles Heel. Koivu was used less and less in the post-season but his presence was felt elsewhere.

The veteran pivot still had plenty of game left when he signed out West, but his guidance cannot be overlooked. Players such as new captain Ryan Getzlaf and young, up and comer Nick Bonino looked up to him. Koivu helped guide the young leader Getzlaf in his formative captain years. And allowed Bonino time to grow and flourish to the point he was traded for the next player on my list. The ability to see Selanne and Koivu finally get some years together in the NHL made many a Duck and NHL fan happy.

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