Replaces Solomon after Murray resigned Nov. 10
Pat Verbeek was named general manager of the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday.
He replaces Jeff Solomon, who was named GM on Nov. 10 when Bob Murray resigned as executive vice president and GM following an investigation into his professional conduct.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be named general manager of the Anaheim Ducks,” Verbeek said. “My family and I are looking forward to becoming part of the Orange County community. I’d like to express my gratitude to [owners] Henry [Samueli] and Susan [Samueli], and the search committee for a first-class experience during this process and belief in my vision. The Ducks are a championship organization with world-class facilities, and I look forward to working with our entire staff to build on the foundation in place to construct a championship team our fans will be proud of on and off the ice.”
Verbeek, a retired NHL forward, has been assistant GM for the Detroit Red Wings since May 6, 2019. He was named GM of Grand Rapids, their American Hockey League affiliate, Aug. 19.
The Ducks (23-16-9) are tied for second with the Los Angeles Kings in the Pacific Division, two points behind the first-place Vegas Golden Knights.
“We are delighted to welcome Pat Verbeek to our community to guide our hockey club as the next general manager of the Anaheim Ducks,” the Samuelis said. “Pat’s outstanding work ethic and vast knowledge of the game as a successful executive and player throughout his 35-plus years in the NHL make him an outstanding fit to lead us forward. He brings a unique pedigree, having vast experience and serving in integral leadership roles for championship teams as both a player and executive at the NHL level.”
Verbeek was assistant general manager and director of player personnel for the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2012-19 after serving as director of professional scouting from 2010-12. He was a pro scout for the Red Wings from 2006-10, including their Stanley Cup championship season in 2008.
Verbeek scored 1,062 points (522 goals, 540 assists) in 1,424 NHL games for the New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers, New York Rangers, Dallas Stars and Red Wings. He finished his NHL career with 2,905 penalty minutes, the most of any player who scored at least 500 goals. He won the Stanley Cup with the Stars in 1999.
Verbeek was a third-round pick (No. 43) by the Devils in the 1982 NHL Draft. He helped Canada win the 1994 IIHF World Championship and finish second at the 1989 World Championship and the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
Source: nhl.com