Pat Verbeek has signed a multiyear contract to remain general manager of the Anaheim Ducks, solidifying his role as the architect of the franchise’s rebuild. The Ducks are on the verge of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2018, with a chance to clinch their spot as early as Saturday.
Verbeek is in his fourth season with the Ducks and has guided the team to a 42-32-5 record through April 10. They currently sit tied with the Vegas Golden Knights for second in the Pacific Division, just one point behind the first-place Edmonton Oilers with three games remaining. A combination of results from the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, and Vancouver Canucks could secure Anaheim a playoff berth.
The Ducks' playoff push is built around a young core that includes forwards Leo Carlsson (21), Beckett Sennecke (20), and Cutter Gauthier (22), as well as defensemen Jackson LaCombe (25) and Pavel Mintyukov (22). Verbeek has also added key veteran depth with forwards Alex Killorn and Chris Kreider, and defensemen Jacob Trouba, Radko Gudas, and John Carlson.
"Pat has done exactly as we hoped, having turned the Ducks into what we believe are perennial contenders for the next decade," Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli said. "We are beyond excited to see the team continue developing into what is already an exciting, winning team ready to take the next step."
Ducks president Aaron Teats emphasized the importance of stability moving forward, stating, "Maintaining stability within our hockey operations department for the years to come will be important for the development of our team."
In addition to Verbeek’s contract extension, Mike Stapleton was promoted to senior vice president and associate general manager. Stapleton had served as an assistant GM since joining the Ducks on May 14, 2024.
The Ducks' next opportunity to clinch a playoff berth comes Saturday. They will need a combination of favorable results from other teams to lock up the final Western Conference spot.
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