Special Encore Interview With Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek

Pat Verbeek, General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks and Hall of Fame player, joins Neil and Vic to discuss the franchise's exciting transformation. Fresh off a 21-point improvement in the standings and the blockbuster hiring of three-time Stanley Cup champion Joel Quenneville as head coach, Verbeek shares his vision for building a playoff contender. From his playing days alongside Quenneville in Hartford to assembling a roster with former Rangers talent and developing young stars, Verbeek provides insight into the Ducks' path forward and the lessons learned from near-playoff misses.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] - Pat Verbeek joins the show to discuss the Anaheim Ducks' exciting offseason moves and franchise trajectory.

[01:00] - Comparing Brad Marchand's playoff performance to Verbeek's Hall of Fame playing style and competitive edge.

[02:00] - The 21-point jump in the standings: Greg Cronin's first-year impact on accountability, discipline, and work ethic.

[03:00] - Building leadership with veterans Alex Killorn and Radko Gudas to set examples for young players.

[04:00] - The coaching change from Cronin to Joel Quenneville: special teams struggles that cost six wins and the need for improved goal scoring.

[05:00] - Expectations for young stars Trevor Zegras, Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Jackson LaCombe, and Pavel Mintyukov to take major offensive strides.

[06:00] - Why Joel Quenneville is the highest-profile coach in Ducks franchise history, surpassing Mike Babcock and Randy Carlyle.

[07:00] - The Hartford Whalers connection: playing with Quenneville and talking hockey on bus rides with future coaches Dave Tippett, Mike Liut, Rod Brind'Amour, and Kevin Dineen.

[08:00] - Quenneville's "video camera mind": his ability to process matchups and make real-time decisions on the bench.

[09:00] - The "Doug Armstrong move": learning from St. Louis's quick coaching change to hire Jim Montgomery after firing Drew Bannister.

[10:00] - Exit interviews with players that revealed themes and concerns, leading to the decision to make a coaching change.

[11:00] - The excitement in Anaheim: Quenneville's instant credibility and respect from players throughout the league.

[12:00] - The New York Rangers pipeline: Chris Kreider joins Jacob Trouba, Ryan Strome, and Frank Vatrano to create familiarity and comfort.

[13:00] - How having former Rangers teammates made it easier for Kreider to waive his no-trade clause and join the Ducks.

[14:00] - Jacob Trouba's adjustment from Manhattan to Anaheim and the transition from being captain to playing alongside captain Radko Gudas.

[16:00] - The Anaheim advantage: a quieter life in Orange County compared to the intense spotlight of playing in New York City.

[17:00] - Trevor Zegras beyond the Michigan goal: developing physicality, jam, and two-way responsibility to become a complete player.

[18:00] - Le