Anaheim Ducks legend Ryan Getzlaf joined the Missin Curfew podcast and discussed his closeness to joining the Vegas Golden Knights.
The 39-year-old spent 17 seasons in the NHL, amassing 1157 games, 282 goals and 1019 points. Getzlaf spent every season of his career with the Ducks, winning a Stanley Cup in the 2006-07 season.
The 2003, 19th overall pick had a storied international career as well, winning gold at the Olympics, World Juniors, U-18’s and the World Cup of Hockey. He also won silver medals at the World Championships and the World Juniors.
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Getzlaf stayed loyal to the franchise that selected him but it didn’t come without the consideration of making a change. The Ducks were finishing outside of the playoffs for quite a few of his last few seasons and the idea of chasing a second Stanley Cup was something that carried some intrigue.
“That was one of the hardest things,” said Getzlaf. “Staying the whole thing. I think at the end I thought it was time to move on and time to do something but my loyalty and being in one place my whole career was at the forefront all the time so I didn’t end up doing it.”
Ultimately he chose against moving on but one of the teams he considered was the Golden Knights.
“There was one year where I was pretty close to going to Vegas,” said the Regina, Sask native. “We didn’t go through with it in the morning. That was really the only point, my last season I decided I was going to finish there, I never even thought about it.”
Getzlaf was one of the best playmakers in the NHL during his time and had a nasty side to go along with his 6’3, 227 lbs frame. No other details have been shared about the trade Getzlaf is referring to but the thought of him in a Golden Knights jersey is an exciting one.
Getzlaf is currently working with the NHL’s department of player safety.
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