Anaheim Ducks Expected To Name Pat Verbeek As GM

While many have been linking the two for a few weeks now, an official announcement is now imminent. According to multiple sources, including TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and The Athletic’s Eric Stephens, the Anaheim Ducks are expected to name Pat Verbeek as their next General Manager. Verbeek will be the official replacement for Bob Murray, who resigned in November, stepping in for interim GM Jeff Solomon. A formal announcement is expected on Thursday.

Verbeek, 57, is currently an Assistant GM for the Detroit Red Wings and the GM of the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. He returned to Detroit, where he initially launched his hockey ops career as a scout back in 2006, when Steve Yzerman became the Red Wings GM. Verbeek had previously worked with Yzerman in Tampa Bay, where Verbeek had worked his way up through the organization since 2010. If Verbeek can find success like Yzerman and protégé Julien Brisebois have had, then the Ducks will be in good hands.

An experienced executive, Verbeek of course also had a long playing career.  A skilled forward, Verbeek broke into the NHL in his draft year, launching a 19-year career that produced over 1,000 points and nearly 1,500 games with five different clubs. Verbeek even cracked 80 points three times and 40 goals four times and spent four seasons as captain of the Hartford Whalers. He wrapped up his playing career in 2001-02 with the Dallas Stars, posting 20 points at the age of 37.

Verbeek will have a major decision on his hands right off the bat when he accepts the Ducks job. Anaheim is enjoying a surprising strong season and currently sit in a playoff spot. However, their postseason position is far from secure and the team possesses a multitude of high-value rental options. Ryan Getzlaf, Rickard Rakell, Hampus Lindholm, and Josh Manson are all on expiring contract and would each be one of the top trade deadline options if made available. The rebuilding Ducks could certainly use the trade capital that they would fetch; however, the young team could also use the invaluable playoff experience. Verbeek will have to decide before next month’s deadline if he wants to sell and jeopardize the team’s postseason hopes this season, stand pat and try to re-sign some of these core UFA’s, or perhaps even buy and give his upstart group a real chance at a deep run through the weak Pacific Division.