Ducks sign C Getzlaf to five-year contract extension

Nov 22, 2007 - 2:50 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- The Anaheim Ducks secured Ryan Getzlaf's long-term future with the team Tuesday, signing the center to a five-year contract extension through the 2012-13 season.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but TSN of Canada reported that the deal is worth $26.625 million.

Getzlaf, 22, is enjoying an outstanding season with the defending Stanley Cup champion Ducks. The Regina, Saskatchewan native has scored seven goals and a team-leading 21 points in 19 games.

"I'm thrilled," Getzlaf said. "This is a place that I want to play. I love being here. I was given the opportunity to negotiate a contact this early and the team showed that they wanted me here as much as I wanted to here. It was nice to get that out of the way this early."

The 19th overall pick in the 2003 draft, Getzlaf was brilliant during the Ducks' Stanley Cup run earlier this year, scoring three game-winning goals and a club postseason-record 17 points.

"This is a town that's growing right now as a hockey city," Getzlaf said. "With last year's success and the success of this organization, it was a place where I wanted to be. I didn't want to be in a situation where I had to leave."

The 6-4 Getzlaf has appeared in 158 regular-season games over parts of three seasons with the Ducks, scoring 46 goals and 118 points.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to sign Ryan to a long-term deal," Ducks general manager Brian Burke said. "He's demonstrated great character and work ethic to complement his talent, a rare combination at such a young age."