Three Years into the Job: Pat Verbeek’s Journey as Anaheim Ducks GM
Monday, February 3, 2023, marked the third anniversary of Pat Verbeek taking the reins as the general manager of the Anaheim Ducks. In this time, he has overseen three trade deadlines, drafts, and free-agency periods, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. Midway through the 2024-25 season and during the NHL 4 Nations break, the Ducks have a 24-24-6 record, reflecting a team still in the process of building towards a more competitive future. Verbeek’s decision to hire Greg Cronin as head coach in June 2023 has given the team a clear direction, and with 136 games under Cronin’s watch, the Ducks are starting to find their identity. Let’s take a closer look at some of Verbeek’s significant transactions from the past year and evaluate their impact.
Trade Deadline Mastery: Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick
On March 6, 2024, the Ducks traded Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick, along with a 2024 seventh-round pick, to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2024 first-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Verbeek’s ability to maximize the value of Henrique, who was having a solid season with 42 points in 60 games, and the significant cap hit ($5.825 million AAV), is commendable. The trade was facilitated by the Tampa Bay Lightning, who helped lessen the cap hit further, ensuring a win-win situation for all parties involved. The first-round pick acquired from the Oilers was one of only three 2024 first-round picks traded around the deadline, a testament to Verbeek’s shrewd negotiation skills. This trade, which both Patrick and Derek grade as an "A," highlights Verbeek’s capability to pivot and secure valuable assets when the timing is right.
Strategic Drafting: The 2024 NHL Entry Draft
The 2024 NHL Entry Draft saw the Ducks make several intriguing moves. On June 28, Verbeek traded the 31st and 58th overall picks to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for the 23rd overall pick, which they used to select Norwegian defenseman Stian Solberg. Patrick and Derek both grade this move as a "B," recognizing the high potential of Solberg, who has impressed with his physical and skilled play in the SHL. The Ducks also drafted Beckett Sennecke third overall, a choice that surprised many but has been justified by his torrid scoring pace in the draft plus-one season. Solberg’s performances at the World Juniors and World Championships have also raised his stock. The approach to the 2024 draft was different from previous years, with a focus on high-upside players like Lucas Pettersson, Tarin Smith, and Austin Burnevik, who are all showing promise. While it’s still early to fully evaluate the draft, the Ducks seem to have taken a calculated risk that could pay off in the long run.
Balancing the Roster: Depth Contracts and Trade Additions
Following the draft, the Ducks signed pending RFAs Isac Lundestrom, Urho Vaakanainen, and Brett Leason to one-year contract extensions on June 30 and July 1, 2024. Patrick and Derek both grade these deals as a "C," noting that they provide quality depth minutes at a minimal cost. Lundestrom and Leason have been reliable fourth-line players, while Vaakanainen was later traded to the New York Rangers for Jacob Trouba. These moves demonstrate Verbeek’s focus on maintaining a balanced roster while also preparing for future transactions.
On July 2, 2024, the Ducks made another trade, sending Gage Alexander to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Robby Fabbri and a 2025 conditional fourth-round pick. Derek grades this move as a "D," citing Fabbri’s poor defensive metrics and inconsistent scoring, while Patrick gives it a "D+," acknowledging the low cost and the potential for Fabbri to provide energy and grit. However, both agree that Fabbri’s presence is blocking opportunities for younger, more promising players like Sam Colangelo and Sasha Pastujov, who are excelling in the AHL.
Addressing Defensive Needs: The Brian Dumoulin and Jacob Trouba Trades
To address the uncertainty at the backend of their blue line, the Ducks traded a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Seattle Kraken for Brian Dumoulin on July 2, 2024. Derek grades this as a "B," praising the low cost and Dumoulin’s qualities as a mobile, competitive, and defensive-oriented player. Patrick gives it a "C+," noting that Dumoulin’s left-handed shot has been a concern, and questions why the Ducks didn’t pursue him as a free agent in 2023. Nevertheless, Dumoulin has provided a steady presence on the blueline, and his role will be crucial as the team continues to build.
On December 6, 2024, the Ducks made a significant move by trading Urho Vaakanainen and a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick to the New York Rangers for Jacob Trouba. Derek grades this trade as a "C," understanding the need to create space for younger talent but questioning Trouba’s fit on the Ducks’ roster. Patrick gives it a "D," highlighting issues with Trouba’s gap control and mobility, and suggesting that a player like Brett Pesce or Matt Roy might have been a better fit. Trouba’s leadership and veteran presence are valuable, but his defensive shortcomings and $8 million cap hit have raised concerns. The long-term impact of this deal will depend on how Verbeek manages the remaining pieces of the Ducks’ defense.
Leveraging Trade Opportunities: Cam Fowler and Frank Vatrano
In a move to address the defensive logjam created by the Trouba trade, the Ducks traded Cam Fowler and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the St. Louis Blues for a 2027 second-round pick and Jeremie Biakabutuka on December 14, 2024. Derek grades this trade as a "C," noting that while it may not look great on the surface, it was necessary to keep younger defensemen like Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger in the lineup. Patrick gives it a "C+," acknowledging the fairness of the return given the circumstances and Fowler’s positive performance with the Blues.
On January 5, 2025, the Ducks signed Frank Vatrano to a three-year, $18 million contract extension, with $9 million in deferred salary starting in 2035. Derek grades this deal as a "B," recognizing Vatrano’s contributions in all areas of the game and the benefits of the rising salary cap. Patrick gives it an "A-," praising Vatrano’s effort, scoring ability, and the structure of the deal that keeps his AAV manageable. Vatrano’s 37 goals in the previous season made him a valuable asset, and his continued role in the power play and penalty kill solidifies his place on the Ducks roster.
Building for the Future: Lessons and Reflections
As the Ducks continue to navigate their rebuild, Pat Verbeek’s tenure as GM has been characterized by strategic moves and a willingness to take risks. The trades involving Adam Henrique, Stian Solberg, and Brian Dumoulin have been largely positive, providing the team with valuable assets and depth. The acquisitions of Jacob Trouba and Frank Vatrano, while expensive, address immediate needs and offer long-term benefits, albeit with some concerns. Verbeek’s drafting strategy, particularly the selection of high-upside players in the 2024 draft, signals a shift towards a more aggressive and forward-thinking approach.
The Ducks’ journey under Verbeek’s leadership is ongoing, and while not every move has been a home run, the overall direction is clear: building a competitive, well-rounded team capable of contending in the future. The 2024-25 season, with its mix of veteran presence and young talent, is a test bed for this strategy, and the coming months will provide further insight into the success of Verbeek’s decisions.
