Anaheim Ducks Expert Panel: When the Legends Retire

As much as we hate to talk about it, the retirement of players like Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry is inevitable. What will the Anaheim Ducks do once they decide to hang up their skates?

It’s the third Friday of the month, which only means one thing here at Pucks of a Feather. It’s time for another Anaheim Ducks expert panel. This months topic is one that no one really likes to think about. Nevertheless, with a physically demanding sport such as hockey, retirement is unavoidable.

It is no secret that Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are, as far as hockey players go, getting up there in age. While Ryan Getzlaf still seems to have a lot of gas left in the tank, Corey Perry is currently an unknown. When he returns to the lineup, we will see whether his knee really was the issue or if he’s actually slowing down.

Depending on his performance when he returns, the Anaheim Ducks are going to have to make some tough decisions. When it comes time for Ryan Getzlaf to hang up his skates, there are going to be even more tough decisions that need to be made.

Our expert panel decided to take four of the most common questions regarding these two players and the big “r” word and give this opinion on what they think will happen.

1.) After this season, and Scott Neidermayer’s jersey retirement, which Ducks do you think gets his jersey retired next and why?

2.) Out of the two, who is more likely to get make it into the hall of fame, Ryan Getzlaf or Corey Perry?

3.) Do you think Corey Perry will retire as a Duck?

4.) When Ryan Getzlaf retires, who do you think is the next candidate for Capitan?

After this season, and Scott Neidermayer’s jersey retirement, which Ducks do you think gets his jersey retired next and why?

Chris Bushell– Following this season, the only former Duck that should be retired is J.S. Giguere. He almost won them a Cup in 2003, and he is a huge reason they did win in 2007. Right now, Giguere is the best goalie in Anaheim Ducks history. He will likely be passed by John Gibson, but right now, he is currently the best.

From the current team, Ryan Getzlaf hands down. If they win another Cup this year or next, I could make the case for a couple others.

Khalid Hart– Easily J.S. Giguere. Anyone else before him would be an absolute robbery. He led the way in the magical ’03 Cup run, won the Conn Smythe despite losing in the Finals (something that is ultra rare, by the way), and backstopping the team to California’s first Stanley Cup in ’07.

TJ Watson– It’s Jiggy. He was one of the main reasons we were one game away from the Stanely Cup in ’03 and why we won in ’07. The save against either Minnesota or Dallas in ’03, where he was put out of position and then dove the other way, was amazing.

Jake Robles– Jiggy needs to be the next player to have his number retired. It’s crazy that it hasn’t happened already because I think it’s well deserved. He was a key part of the ’07 run and brough us a Cup.

While I think that’s a good enough reason in its own right, I think ’03 makes it even more apparent that they should do it. Being the MVP of a losing series is rough and all, but he almost stole us the Cup that year with how outstanding he player.

Jonathan Maxfield– Getzlaf, probably Corey Perry at the same time given their contributions to the team. There’s an argument to be made for Giguere, but personally, I think the next should be the guy who will likely finish his career as the face everyone thinks about when you think about the face of the Anaheim Ducks franchise in 10 years.

Ciara Durant– It makes sense for me that 15 be the next number to hang alongside 8, 9, and 27. Ryan Getzlaf has been the face of the franchise far too long for it not to be his jersey that is retired next.

He has been an unbelievable player since the day he stepped out onto the ice as a Duck. Not to mention, he has been one of the best captains this franchise has ever seen. He is a natural born leader, a mentor to his teammates, and he is the player that every Anaheim Ducks fan wishes they could be.

I do believe that J.S. Giguere’s jersey will be retired someday, but I am of the unpopular opinion that Ryan Getzlaf is next in line to have his jersey retired. I could make an argument for Corey Perry as well, but we can save that for another day.

Out of the two, who is more likely to get make it into the hall of fame, Ryan Getzlaf or Corey Perry?

Jonathan Maxfield– Getzlaf. Perry has the Hart Trophy but his regression has hit him hard. Getzlaf has been the true personification of consistency and his tenure as Captain is beyond admirable.

TJ Watson– I don’t know who gets in between Getz or Perry. Both have some impact, but Getz is known as a passer who recently is starting to shoot his shot.

Khalid Hart– They both make it. However, Ryan Getzlaf will make it before Corey Perry. When we look back at the careers of both men, it’s clear that Getzlaf had a bigger impact and left his mark on the team. While he does lack the championship success to that of Jonathan Toews and Sidney Crosby, he makes up for it with his ability to score.

He nearly averages a point per game. He’s closing in on both 1,000 games an 1,000 points. Those kinds of numbers should propel him into the Hall of Fame someday.

Ciara Durant– I don’t think either of them makes it in over the other. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are a duo, much like Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne was back in the glory days. I can only hope that the selection committee would give Getzlaf and Perry the opportunity to be inducted together just like Kariya and Selanne.

I understand many people doubt that Perry has the credentials to be inducted due to his recent regression. However, I think we often lose sight of the fact that it is the Hockey Hall of Fame not the NHL hall of fame.

Perry had a very impressive career with the London Knights. He has won the Memorial Cup, the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy, the Red Tilson Trophy, The Eddy Powers Memorial Trophy, the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award, and the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy. The Knights also retired his number back in 2011.

He has also won gold in the World Junior Championships for Team Canada in 2005 and in 2016 he won gold with team Canada again in the IIHF Worlds. He helped win the Olympic gold medal for Canada in both 2010 and 2014.

Finally, with the Anaheim Ducks, he has a Stanley Cup, a Hart Trophy, and a Maurice Richards Trophy. This is a long list, but it’s only skimming the surface of all his achievements.

Corey Perry may be regressing, but we have still yet to see how he performs now that his knee is repaired. We could see a resurgence similar to that of Teemu Selanne, or we could see him continue on the downward slope. Nevertheless, his resume is quite impressive which I think will earn him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Chris Bushell– I think both are locks for the HHOF. Stas and consistency speak to that and they have a Stanley Cup as well. I think it’s 90% they get in, and if they can both win a second Cup it’s a virtual certainty.

Jake Robles– Personally, I think they should both make it into the hall. They’re both near or at the top of a lot of franchise records and have a Cup under their belts. I’d say Getz would make it in first since he’s the Capitan and all.

Do you think Corey Perry will retire as a Duck?

Ciara Durant– Without a doubt, yes! If he doesn’t, it will be equally upsetting as Paul Kariya retiring with the Blues. He may be on the downward slope that will lead to his imminent retirement, but I don’t see him retiring as anything other than a Duck.

First of all, I don’t think anyone would want the hassle of dealing with his current contract, and I don’t think any other team would give him a contract he would like after his current one ends. Secondly, Corey Perry is as much the face of this franchise as Ryan Getzlaf.

It seems to me that Perry wants to be in Anaheim. Hopefully, his recent surgery will give him a little extra gas in the tank. If he has to swallow his pride and move to the bottom six, then good. The Ducks bottom six will then be just as potent as their top six!

Khalid Hart– Yes, he’s a Duck for life. At his age and with his injury history, he isn’t what he used to be. Just look at his previous seasons before the injury. At this point in time, no one would take him in a trade. He’ll stay a Duck until he finishes.

Chris Bushell– I do, because I don’t think Murray will ever trade him, to be honest. I’m not sure anyone would take him. He’s in his mid 30’s and it remains to be seen what he’ll be after his MCL injury and has a couple of down years.

So, for the legacy piece and the fact that if he stays as is the Ducks will have a hard time getting a trade partner. If he has a resurgence, why would you want to trade him anyways?

Jake Robles-I believe he will. There’s not really a market for him and we don’t know how productive he will be once he’s back from injury. So, I’m fairly sure we’ll have him for the rest of his days in the NHL.

Jonathan Maxfield– It depends on if he intends to play after his contract and how his body holds up after this severe injury. I don’t see him getting another contract from the Ducks personally. I also don’t think there’s much of a chance for the Ducks to trade him.

TJ Watson– I’d say yes to him retiring as a Duck. I think his injuries scare a lot of people. I also think he won’t try to separate himself from Getzlaf.