Nostalgia for Anaheim Ducks Quarter Century Team Reveal

Corey Perry – Right Wing:

The Duck’s one and only Hart Trophy winner as league MVP. Perry is known for his gritty, agitating style of play and knack for scoring big goals. Perry scored 50 goals in that 2010-2011 season, the only Duck to ever reach that mark. “The Worm’s” combination of skill, slipperiness, and scoring ability make him a lock for First Team here. Perry is the epitome of a player you love to have on your team but hate to play against. He is prolific at getting under the other team’s skin and is up there with Scott Hartnell for time spent on the ice. He is one of the few players on the quarter-century team still playing, and you may even find a few Ducks fans still cheering for him, even though he now plays for the Edmonton Oilers.

Most memorable moment: The Comeback on Katella GWG (assisted by Getzlaf, of course)

Teemu Selanne – Right Wing:

Teemu Selanne, known as the “Finnish Flash,” is a beloved figure in Anaheim. His speed, skill, and scoring prowess helped elevate the Ducks into a contender for years. Selanne’s legendary career in Anaheim culminated with a Stanley Cup championship in 2007. One of his most iconic moments came in that year’s Final, when he scored a pivotal goal in Game 6 to give the Ducks a 2-1 lead en route to the Cup. Selanne was almost a point-per-game player with the Ducks, won a Calder Trophy, Rocket Richard Award, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2017 – the same year he was named one of the 100 Greatest Players of All-Time. His number “8” han gs high in the rafters at Honda Center – a true Ducks legend.

Most memorable moment:  Scoring the game-winner in Game 5 against the Detroit Red Wings in the 2007 Western Conference Final. He also had the primary assist on the game-tying goal late in the 3rd.

Scott Niedermayer – Defense:

One of the most skilled defenceman in NHL history. Niedermayer brought an elite two-way game to Anaheim. His leadership and composure were key factors in the Ducks’ 2007 Stanley Cup run. Ducks fans have Scott’s brother, Rob, to thank for bringing the Hall of Fame defenceman to the Ducks. Niedermayer was a smooth skater and was named the Conn Smythe Winner  during the 2007 Stanley Cup run. He had three clutch goals in the 2007 Stanley Cup run including two overtime game-winners and was also named one of the 100 greatest players of all time. Niedermayer is still a special advisor to the team, which should help young defensemen in the organization like Olen Zellweger and Jackson LaCombe. He also let the next player in this list live with him and his family. Niedermayer’s legacy is also honored high-above the ice at Honda Center.

Most memorable moment: 2007 Western Conference Semi-Final series-clinching goal after a bone-crunching hit by his brother.

Cam Fowler – Defense:

Cam Fowler was a mainstay on the Ducks’ blue line from the time he was drafted in the first round in 2010. Dubbed the “next-Scott Niedermayer”, he was known for his exceptional skating. Before being traded to the St. Louis Blues a couple of weeks ago, Fowler was the longest-tenured Ducks defenseman at 991 games.

Most memorable moment: Scoring the goal to bring the Ducks within one during the Comeback on Katella.

Jean-Sébastien Giguère – Goalie:

J.S. Giguere was the backbone of the Ducks during their most successful years, particularly during the two Stanley Cup Final runs. If it were not for his play in 2003, the Ducks may not have made it out of the first round, let alone game 7 of the Finals. “Jiggy” had a 2.47 GAA and .914 save percentage in over 440 games with Anaheim.  Giguere’s “35” will likely be the next to be retired by the Ducks.

Most memorable moment: Being nearly unbeatable in a historic performance in the 2003 Stanley Cup Final against the New Jersey Devils, where he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy despite losing in the Final.

Second Team

Paul Kariya – Left Wing:

A skilled and dynamic forward, Kariya was one of the original stars of the Anaheim Ducks. He is rightfully honored in the rafters at Honda Center. Kariya scored one of the most iconic goals in franchise history.  He came across center ice when Scott Stevens hit him late resulting in Kariya being down on the ice for a few moments before the TV cameras showed fog hit his visor as he grasped for air. Kariya almost certainly had a concussion but returned to the game and scored one of the most iconic goals ever. Kariya is another Ducks Hall of Famer, appropriately being inducted in 2017 with his long-time linemate, Teemu Selanne. Kariya’s career was cut short by concussions and a sad story of “what-ifs”.  Hopefully, Kariya’s career will be a lesson for brain and player health.

Most memorable moment: “Off the floor, on the board”

Bobby Ryan – Left Wing:

A consistent offensive force for the Ducks and a fan favorite during his time in Anaheim. Forever known as the player drafted right behind Sidney Crosby. Bobby was as skilled of a player as the Ducks have ever had. He and Leo Carlsson will forever be linked through the times the Ducks lost the NHL Draft Lottery with the highest odds of drafting a generational superstar. Can you imagine Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard in Anaheim? Neither can the NHL.

Most memorable moment:  Goal against the Nashville Predators in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Jakob Silfverberg – Right Wing

Jakob Silfverberg was a key player for the Ducks since he arrived in 2013. Known for his two-way play and ability to score clutch goals. Silfverberg had a deadly quick release, which he often flashed in shootouts.

Francois Beauchemin – Defense

Francois Beauchemin’s leadership and defensive reliability were instrumental in the Ducks’ 2007 Cup run. He would often play a crucial role in shutting down oppone nts’ top lines and contributed a timely goal every once in a while.

Most memorable moment: One-punching Jerome Iginla.

Chris Pronger – Defense:

Chris Pronger, one of the most dominant defenceman of his era, was a game-changer for the Ducks after joining the team in 2006. His physicality and shutdown defence helped the Ducks to the 2007 Stanley Cup, solidifying his legacy as one of the most impactful players in franchise history. Pronger is another Hall of Famer and was named one of the 100 greatest players of all time. Pronger prov ided an intimidation factor that has not been matched since.

John Gibson – Goalie:

The Ducks’ top goaltender in recent years, has been a standout performer. The past few seasons have been tough for the Anaheim Ducks, but it is not because of  Gibson. Gibson has returned to excellent form, with a league-leading goals-saved-above expected. He also recently reached 200 wins, something only the other goaltender on this list has done.

Bid for the NHL All-Quarter Century Team

Ryan Getzlaf

As the face of the Anaheim Ducks for nearly two decades, Ryan Getzlaf is undoubtedly one of the most iconic players in the franchise’s history. His longevity, leadership as captain, and key role in the 2007 Stanley Cup championship solidified his place. He is likely to garner votes for his personal achievements, his leadership, and his contributions to the Ducks’ success during his tenure. It will be a tall task to earn more votes than players from more traditional hockey markets, but there is a case to be made that Getzlaf was one of the most consistently dominant players of the last 25 years.

Honourable Mentions

Andy McDonald – Center:

McDonald was one of the fastest and most skilled players to ever wear a Ducks jersey. Known for his excellent skating and playmaking abilities, McDonald was a key part of the Ducks’ 2007 Stanley Cup run. Though he didn’t quite make the First or Second Team, his contributions during his time in Anaheim, including his two-way play and crucial goals, certainly earned him a place in Ducks lore. Some Ducks fans would argue that he deserved the Conn Smythe Award in 2007, having led the team in points during the playoffs and Stanley Cup Final.

Andrew Cogliano – Left Wing:

The Iron Man. Andrew Cogliano’s speed and defensive reliability made him a standout player for the Ducks for over a decade. Known for his ironman streak and consistently strong two-way play, Cogliano was a vital part of the Ducks’ forward group. Though he didn’t put up overwhelming offensive numbers, his work ethic, penalty-killing ability, and leadership were essential to the Ducks’ success during his time in Anaheim.

Rickard Rakell – Left Wing:

Rakell’s offensive contributions were a constant for the Ducks, especially during his peak years. A skilled scorer with excellent vision, Rakell provided a steady offensive presence for Anaheim throughout his tenure. His ability to create consistent offensive output make him a notable honorable mention. His most memorable moment was scoring the tying goal during “The Comeback on Katella”.

Chris Kunitz – Left Wing:

A key player during the Ducks’ 2007 Stanley Cup championship. Kunitz contributed to the team’s success with his hard-nosed, physical play and solid offensive production. The third linemate on the McDonald-Selanne line, Kunitz’s career really took off after leaving Anaheim. He went on to win two more Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ask Ryan Whitney who won the Kunitz trade to Pittsburgh.