Pat Verbeek – CanucksBanter

2022.23

by Ducks Staff / AnaheimDucks.com

April 14, 2023

The Ducks announced today they will not renew the contract of head coach Dallas Eakins. Eakins recently completed his fourth season as head coach of the Ducks and eighth season with the organization, serving as head coach of the San Diego Gulls in the American Hockey League (AHL) from 2015-19.

“We thank Dallas for his eight years with the organization as head coach of both the Ducks and Gulls,” said Ducks owner Henry Samueli. “Susan and I are especially proud of his commitment to the community in both Anaheim and San Diego, which included countless charitable initiatives. We know Dallas will succeed in his future endeavors, as character people often do.”

“This was a very difficult decision, one that comes after careful and considerable deliberation,” said Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek. “At the end of the day, I simply feel that a fresh perspective and new voice will be beneficial for the team. Dallas has handled himself with class and character through a difficult season, and we wish him the best in the future.”

Named to his current post June 17, 2019, Eakins became the 10th head coach in club history. He won his 100th NHL game as a head coach, Jan. 4, 2022 vs. Philadelphia, coached his 200th game behind the Ducks bench on April 9, 2022 at Philadelphia and 400th game as an NHL head coach April 5, 2023 vs. Edmonton.

In his four seasons behind the San Diego bench, Eakins led the Gulls to a 154-95-23 record and three trips to the Calder Cup Playoffs. In addition, San Diego led the AHL Pacific Division in wins, points (331) and points percentage (.608) in that span.

Eakins joined the Anaheim organization June 26, 2015 after serving as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers from 2013-15. Eakins previously spent four seasons as head coach of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies (2009-13). In 584 career AHL games with San Diego and Toronto, Eakins led his teams to a 311-209-64 record and five appearances in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Eakins helped San Diego advance to the 2019 Western Conference Finals and guided his 2011-12 Marlies club to an appearance in the 2012 Calder Cup Finals.

The Dade City, Fla. native was selected by Washington in the 10th round (208th overall) of the 1985 NHL Draft, Eakins appeared in 120 career NHL games with the Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders and Calgary Flames. Eakins also played in the AHL and International Hockey League during his professional career, winning both the Calder Cup (2002) and Turner Cup (2000). His final professional season was with the Manitoba Moose (AHL) before retiring as a player May 26, 2004.

Source: nhl.com

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