Ducks sign GM Pat Verbeek to multi-year extension

The exact length of the extension has not yet been disclosed. Verbeek, meanwhile, has name Mike Stapleton as the team’s Senior Vice President and Associate General Manager.

Verbeek, 61, took over as Anaheim’s GM in February of 2022 following two-plus seasons as the assistant GM for the Detroit Red Wings. At the time, the Ducks were headed for their fourth straight year of missing the postseason, and seemed to a rudderless, directionless franchise. Verbeek did not turn Anaheim around right away, as they finished with fewer than 60 points in each of the next two seasons while garnering a pair of top-three draft picks.

This season, the young talent Anaheim had accumulated over the years, along with some quality veteran pieces Verbeek acquired, such as forward Chris Krieder and defenseman Jacob Trouba, finally coalesced into the playoff team the franchise had been craving.

In a statement released by the team, Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli praised Verbeek’s work.

“Pat has done exactly as we hoped, having turned the Ducks into what we believe are perennial contenders for the next decade,” they said. “We are beyond exited to see the team continue developing into what is already an exciting, winning team ready to take the next step.”

Stapleton, 59, had been Anaheim’s assistant GM under Verbeek since May of 2024. He is in his 11th season with the Ducks, having previously served as the team’s Director of Player Personnel and as a professional scout.

With 89 points through 79 games, Anaheim sits tied for second in the Pacific Division.