The Anaheim Ducks appointed Pat Verbeek as their general manager on February 3, 2022, just six weeks prior to the 2022 trade deadline. Now entering his fourth full season in the role during the 2025-26 campaign, Verbeek began by dismantling the team roster before the 2022 deadline and faced two difficult seasons (2022-23 and 2023-24), which were the franchise’s worst in history. However, during the 2024-25 season, the team notably improved, jumping 21 points in the standings and moving from 59 to 80 points, leading to optimism for the current season. With 26 games remaining, the Ducks have accumulated 63 points and are on track to surpass 92 points, potentially qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
Following Verbeek’s four-year tenure, let’s review some of his key moves over the past year. At the 2025 trade deadline, the Ducks acquired goalie Ville Husso from Detroit for future considerations, which proved to be a solid depth addition as John Gibson faced injuries. Additionally, Verbeek traded defenseman Brian Dumoulin to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forwards Herman Torrough and a 2025 second-round pick, both of whom have promising NHL prospects. During the offseason, the team unexpectedly fired head coach Greg Cronin after two seasons, despite noticeable improvement, and hired Joel Quenneville, a legendary but controversial figure due to his past with the Blackhawks scandal. Quenneville’s first season has been inconsistent, but he maintains a positive reputation for developing young talent and offering stability.
Other notable transactions included acquiring forward Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers for a pair of draft picks. While Kreider has been somewhat inconsistent, he has brought leadership and scoring depth. Verbeek also traded Trevor Zegras to Philadelphia for Ryan Poehling, a second-round pick, and a future fourth-rounder, which received mixed reviews due to Zegras’s potential and recent performance. The trade for goaltender Petr Mrazek from Detroit for John Gibson was less impressive, given Mrazek’s injury history and performance issues.
In the draft, the Ducks selected ten players, with the standout being Roger McQueen, a tall, skilled center with top-five talent cut short by injury. They also promoted promising forwards like Boelius and Nilsson, and added winger Emile Guite in later rounds, reflecting a focus on drafting high-upside talent.
In free agency, Verbeek made a significant signing with Mikael Granlund, a versatile scored who signed for three years at an AAV of $7 million, providing the team with smart offensive play. He also extended goaltender Lucas Dostal for five years at $6.5 million per season, solidifying the goalie position as they transition from Gibson. McTavish received a six-year extension, ensuring long-term continuity, and defenseman Jackson Lacombe signed an eight-year deal with an AAV of $9 million, a surprising move given the length and cost amid rising cap expectations.
During the season, the Ducks also acquired winger Jeffrey Vielle from Boston for a 2026 fourth-round pick, a move that filled roster gaps but didn’t significantly alter their trajectory. Overall, the team has moved closer to playoff contention, which increases expectations for Verbeek to make more impactful trades soon.
In conclusion, the Ducks have made notable progress towards becoming a playoff team, and despite some questionable moves, Verbeek’s leadership appears to be guiding the team out of its long-standing struggles. Still, the focus now shifts to whether he can make the big blockbuster move needed to truly contend.
Fan Take: This team’s turnaround under Verbeek is exciting and signals that the Ducks might be on the verge of becoming relevant again in the NHL, making every night of hockey more intense for fans. For the sport, it highlights how smart management and a focus on player development can rejuvenate a franchise and heighten competitive drama in the league.
