Getzlaf signs long-term deal with Anaheim

ANAHEIM, Calif., March 8 (UPI) -- Center Ryan Getzlaf agreed to an eight-year contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks, the NHL team said Friday.

Getzlaf, 27, could have become an unrestricted free against this summer. The new deal runs through the 2020-21 season. It has been reported the entire contract is worth $66 million, NHL.com said.

"We are very happy to have Ryan committed to this franchise long-term," said Ducks General Manager Bob Murray. "He has often expressed his interest to stay in Anaheim for his entire career, a goal we share. He is a leader, a proven winner and possesses a skill-set that's hard to find. This is a great day for the Ducks."

Getzlaf has scored nine goals and has 18 assists this season, helping Anaheim build the second-best record in the NHL at 16-3-3 going into Friday's games.

Getzlaf was the 19th overall selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He's appeared in 534 NHL games, scoring 146 goals and assisting on 353 others over eight seasons. Getzlaf was also a member of the gold medal Canadian hockey team at the 201 Olympics.