Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf signs eight-year, $66-million contract

Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf has signed an eight-year, $66-million contract extension, the Ducks announced Friday.

Getzlaf, 27, is enjoying a strong comeback season and leads the team in scoring. He would have been a prime free agent after this season.

“We are very happy to have Ryan committed to this franchise long-term,” Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray said in a statement. “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.”

As L.A. Times columnist Helene Elliott wrote, “Where Getzlaf was sloppy defensively last season, he’s diligent and has earned his plus-10 defensive rating. Where he was emotionally detached — except when he took bad penalties — he’s fiery but controlled. Where he couldn’t buy a goal, he’s producing. He has six goals and 18 points in his last 11 games and stands among the NHL leaders with nine goals and a team-high 27 points. He had 11 goals and 57 points in 82 games last season and was minus-11.”

The Ducks are 16-3-3 and have 35 points. They rank No. 2 in the NHL and have equaled their franchise-best point total through 22 games.

Check latimes.com/sportsnow for more details.

ALSO:

Josh Beckett sharp in minor league game

Dodgers’ Aaron Harang is fielders’ choice as mitt repairman

Some on Mexico’s WBC team complain about Arizona police treatment