Getzlaf put the Ducks on his shoulders to finish the regular season with 35 points through 25 games, and then he recorded 19 points (eight goals) over 17 playoff contests. The veteran pivot has averaged 73 points per year over the past four seasons and remains a go-to fantasy asset in all settings. There are still a few concerns looming, though. First, Getzlaf has scored just 23 goals over the past two seasons and averaged only 1.86 shots per game. He also started more five-on-five shifts in his own zone this year and posted his worst Corsi For percentage in five seasons. Getzlaf offers an extremely high floor in points-only setups, and his PIM help in rotisserie settings, but his value is definitely trending in the wrong direction.
Things did not start well in 2015-16 for Getzlaf. By Feb. 3, 44 games into the season, the Ducks' long-time captain only had three goals. Even though he hasn't been regarded as that prolific of a goal-scorer during his 11-year tenure in the NHL, the Saskatchewan native potted 25 and 31 in the prior two campaigns, so there was major cause for concern among fantasy owners. On the bright side, Getzy is still one of the game's elite dishers, as only six players had more assists (50), and six of his eventual 13 goals were power-play markers (his highest total since 2010-11). It'd be a stretch to say he's completely "past his prime" at age 31 -- especially since he's proven to be extremely durable in playing 77 games or more over his last four full NHL seasons -- but a drop in average ice time last year to 19:30 was the 2003 No. 19 overall pick's lowest since his sophomore campaign way back in 2006-07. Still, we wouldn't bet against a two-time Olympic gold medalist and Stanley Cup winner that has piled up points at a rate of 0.94 per game over a 741-game career, so it's probably wise to not expect much of a drop off, if any, from Getzlaf in 2016-17.
After exploding for a career-high 31 goals in 2013-14, Getzlaf put together another strong campaign last season, finding twine 25 times and totaling 70 points in 77 games. The 30-year-old also posted his highest PIM total (62) in three years, and his plus-15 rating was tied with Jakob Silfverberg for tops among all Ducks forwards. The top-line center is a physical scorer who can be counted on for 20 to 30 goals annually and around 70 to 80 points. The Ducks’ power play fell to 28th in the league last season, which resulted in a career-worst three man-advantage tallies for Getzlaf, but with the additions of Chris Stewart, Kevin Bieksa and Carl Hagelin, in addition to a healthy Sami Vatanen, expect Getzlaf and Anaheim to rebound in that department. Getzlaf’s consistent scoring and physical play makes him an elite fantasy option once again heading into the 2015-16 season.
Getzlaf capped off the regular season with the most goals (31) and the second-most points (87) of any season of his career, and displayed impressive resiliency after taking a puck to the face in the playoffs. While he suffered multiple injuries in the postseason, he looks to continue to be a star in the upcoming year. We’re not sure he can notch another 30 goals this season, but we like him for 85-90 points overall.
Getzlaf finished off 2012-2013 tied for the 10th most points in the NHL with 49 in 44 games despite struggling late in the year with an ankle injury. He is one of just a dozen or so true, top-line centermen in the NHL and a fantasy superstar. Draft him accordingly -- he could net you 90-plus points this season. And the next. And the ... you get the point.
There were lots of rumors -- none proven, of course -- that Getzlaf was a little "high maintenance" last season and that was the reason for his stunning offensive collapse. We don't know and we don't care because we operate on facts. So here's what we do know. Getzlaf is arguably one the best centers in the entire league -- he has the complete package of a true number one center. True, his attitude and approach hasn't been great (that kneeing infraction at the most recent World Championships in Helsinki was flat-out ugly; his Patrick Kane-like antics in that city's nightclubs weren't a whole lot better.) But we're not ready to declare him a declining asset just yet -- he's just 27 and entering his prime as a hockey player. There could be a big rebound coming in his first full year under renowned players' coach Bruce Boudreau. A point-per-game and a top-five assist finish could be looming. It's a contract year, after all -- that's all the motivation he'll need.
Getzlaf is a talented center capable of being a 90-point scorer in the league. With his impressive 19-57-76 line from last year, Getzlaf is one of the more productive fantasy pivots. His numbers are even more striking considering he has missed an average of 15 games the past two seasons due to injury. Getzlaf will enter the 2011-2012 campaign healthy and will look to put the injury worries to rest. He has averaged 79.5 points over the last four seasons and should remain a top-tier option at his position centering a line with sniper Bobby Ryan. The Ducks have the potential to rack up points at an dizzying pace and Getzlaf figures to be a main catalyst of its success.
When Getzlaf entered the league, he increased his point totals in each of his first four years. Last season was a different story. Because of injury or team dynamics, Getzlaf was well off his pace in 2009-10 and never really dominated his position as he had in previous years. A healthy Getzlaf in 2010-11 will again be a different story. Reports are that he has made a full recovery from his ankle injury and by possibly adding the "C" to his jersey, he could spur the production numbers higher. Provided that he stays healthy, a 100-point season is well within his grasp.
Getzlaf could be the next superstar in the NHL. He scored 25 goals and added 66 assists in 2008-09 and will look to expand on those numbers this season. Now Getzlaf did have surgery this offseason to repair an abdominal tear and will miss most of training camp, but as of now he is still on schedule to be ready to play game one of the regular season. Bottom line, Getzlaf should not last past the second round of most fantasy drafts.
Getzlaf made the leap from rising star to premier pivot last season, setting career-best marks across the board including 82 points (24 G, 58 A) over 77 games and 36 points (4 G, 32 A) on the power play. Firmly entrenched as the Ducks' top-line center, Getzlaf will continue to skate with Corey Perry and Chris Kunitz this season and it's possible that he'll get an upgrade to Teemu Selanne at some point, provided that the Ducks are able to squeeze him in under the salary cap. His physical style of play meshes perfectly with head coach Randy Carlyle's philosophy, while also making him an all-around contributor rather than a soft, offense-only playmaker. With an excellent all-around game and plenty of ice time with the man advantage, Getzlaf should now be considered a top-10 fantasy center.
Getzlaf had a great year in his first full NHL season. As a 22-year-old rookie, he had 25 goals and 33 assists, while playing in all 82 regular-season games. He really heated up in the postseason, tallying seven goals and 10 assists in 21 playoff games. If he's able to leapfrog Andy McDonald and center the Ducks' top line, Getzlaf's production should improve into the 70-point range this season.
Getzlaf made the most of his opportunities in the 57 games he played as a rookie in '05-06, finishing the year with 14-25-39 with 10 of those goals coming on the power play. It looks as though he'll skate on the third line this season with a 50-point campaign within reach.
Although he may not make the team this season, Getzlaf has immense talent and could become a serious fantasy factor in the coming years. While the Ducks love his potential, what Getzlaf brings to the NHL is his ability to score from anywhere on the ice. Even if he doesn't make the squad, keep Getzlaf on your radar for coming seasons.
