Top 10 Greatest Anaheim Ducks Players of All Time

The Anaheim Ducks, a franchise born from the success of Disney’s The Mighty Ducks film, have had a rich history featuring some truly outstanding talent. From their inaugural 1993-94 NHL season to a triumphant Stanley Cup win in 2007, the Ducks have showcased players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. Here are the ten greatest players in Anaheim Ducks history, ranked from 10 to 1.

10. Ruslan Salei

Drafted 9th overall in 1996, Ruslan Salei played a vital role in the Ducks’ journey to the 2003 Stanley Cup Final. Known for his rugged defense, he delivered a critical overtime goal in Game 3 of that series. Tragically, Salei’s life was cut short in the 2011 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash, but his contributions remain cherished by fans.

9. Chris Pronger

Already a top-tier defenseman, Chris Pronger joined the Ducks in 2006 and immediately bolstered their blue line. In his first season, Pronger was instrumental in Anaheim’s Stanley Cup triumph, proving his worth as a leader and playmaker. During his three seasons with the Ducks, Pronger recorded 150 points and solidified his Hall of Fame legacy before moving to Philadelphia.

8. Jean-Sébastien Giguère

Jean-Sébastien Giguère, affectionately known as “Giggy,” delivered one of the most memorable goaltending performances in NHL history during the 2003 playoffs. Despite losing the Stanley Cup Final, Giguère earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP—a rare feat for a player on the losing side. With 206 wins for Anaheim, he remains one of the franchise’s most beloved players.

7. Guy Hebert

As the Ducks’ first true starting goalie, Guy Hebert played a pivotal role in their early successes, including their first-ever playoff series win in 1997. A dependable netminder, Hebert still ranks near the top of Anaheim’s all-time goaltending records and now serves as an analyst for the team’s broadcasts.

6. Steve Rucchin

Centering Anaheim’s top line with Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne, Steve Rucchin was the unsung hero of the early Ducks. Known for his consistent play, Rucchin delivered a series-clinching overtime goal against Detroit in the 1997 playoffs, cementing his place in franchise lore.

5. Paul Kariya

Selected 4th overall in 1993, Paul Kariya was the Ducks’ first true superstar. A dynamic forward and captain, he carried the team to the brink of a Stanley Cup in 2003. Kariya’s unforgettable Game 6 goal against New Jersey, after a thunderous hit from Scott Stevens, remains one of hockey’s iconic moments. His No. 9 jersey hangs proudly in the Honda Center rafters.

4. Teemu Selanne

“The Finnish Flash,” Teemu Selanne, dazzled fans with his speed and scoring prowess. After joining the Ducks in 1996, Selanne became a cornerstone of the franchise. He returned to Anaheim in 2005 and was instrumental in their 2007 Stanley Cup win. Retiring as the NHL’s highest-scoring Finnish-born player, Selanne’s No. 8 is immortalized by the Ducks.

3. Scott Niedermayer

Already a two-time Stanley Cup winner with New Jersey, Scott Niedermayer joined Anaheim in 2005 to play alongside his brother Rob. As team captain, he led the Ducks to their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2007. Niedermayer’s leadership and skill were unmatched, earning him a well-deserved jersey retirement by the team.

2. Corey Perry

Corey Perry’s grit and scoring ability defined the Ducks’ identity during his tenure. A key contributor to the 2007 championship team, Perry consistently tormented opponents with his physical play and knack for finding the back of the net. His career accolades almost guarantee his number will one day be retired in Anaheim.

1. Ryan Getzlaf

No player has had a greater impact on the Ducks than Ryan Getzlaf. A model of consistency and leadership, Getzlaf retired in 2022 as the franchise’s all-time leader in games played, assists, and points. He also holds postseason records for goals, assists, and points, cementing his legacy as the greatest Anaheim Duck of all time.

From the franchise’s Mighty Ducks origins to its Stanley Cup glory, these players have defined Anaheim’s journey in the NHL. Fans will forever celebrate their contributions to the Ducks’ history.