ANAHEIM, Calif. — Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg, who ranks among the franchise’s leading scorers, will retire from the NHL, the team announced Thursday.
Silfverberg is fifth in Ducks history in goals (158), assists (196) and points (354). The only players to have scored more goals in a Ducks sweater are Teemu Selanne (457), Corey Perry (372), Paul Kariya (300), and Ryan Getzlaf (282).
“On behalf of the entire Ducks organization, congratulations to Jakob on an outstanding NHL career,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said. “He was the ultimate character player for the Ducks, Senators, and his native Sweden, leading by example and always putting the team first. His contributions on the ice and in the Orange County community will have a lasting impact.”
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to play in the National Hockey League,” Silfverberg said in a statement. “I want to thank the Samueli family for being who they are, gracious, community-minded owners that support their team while making a significant impact on our community.
“Thank you to the fans around the league, specifically in Anaheim and Ottawa. To spend 11 years in Orange County playing for the Ducks is something I will cherish every day, thanks in large part to all of you.”
Silfverberg was acquired from the Ottawa Senators in 2013 with Stefan Noesen and a first-round draft pick in exchange for Bobby Ryan. He has spent 11 seasons in Anaheim and at his peak skated on a line with Ryan Kesler and Andrew Cogliano.
Silfverberg’s exit coincides with what promises to be an active NHL offseason for Anaheim. With the pending arrival of forward prospect Cutter Gauthier and likely another high draft pick in the June draft, it has been evident that Verbeek intends to replace aging veterans like Silfverberg with younger and less expensive players.
Silfverberg set single-season career highs in points in 2016-17 (49), goals in 2018-19 (24) and assists in 2014-15 (26). He scored 20 goals on four occasions, including 2015-16 (20), 2016-17 (23), 2018-19 (24) and 2019-20 (21).
Silfverberg’s final game for the Ducks is April 18 at the Vegas Golden Knights.
