The Ducks faithful got their first up close look at their new general manager Saturday morning, as Orange Alliance members heard from Pat Verbeek in an informal Q&A session with television color commentator Brian Hayward.
The conversation headlined an exciting Slap Shot Saturday at Honda Center and gave OA members an exclusive insight into Verbeek's initial experiences in Orange County, his team-building philosophy and potential plans heading into this month's NHL Trade Deadline.
Verbeek Sits Down with Orange Alliance Members, Discusses Ducks Future
"I'm looking forward to the challenge of building a Stanley Cup winner," Verbeek said. "We have some really good pieces, and now it will be my job, working with our scouting staffs both amateur and professional, to find players who can support our core players. I want our team to be a really hard-working, competitive team that is hard to play against every single night."
Verbeek answered several fan-submitted questions, including his thoughts on the club's progress this season and the growth of its young players.
"It's a competitive team, but there are still some spots I'd like to improve on," Verbeek said. "If you look from last year to this year, some of our young players have taken a big step forward. Troy Terry has taken a gigantic step forward, and that has made a big difference in our offensive ability and our ability to score more. Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale have taken big steps from last year to this year too...I look forward to that progress."
Verbeek said he is trying to sign defenseman Hampus Lindholm to a long-term contract prior to the trade deadline, but he acknowledged potentially difficult decisions with pending unrestricted free agents should contracts go unsigned prior to March 21.
"I'm trying to sign these players but, if it doesn't work out, I might have to make some tough decisions and trade them," Verbeek admitted. "I would be worried to let one walk out the door and not getting anything in return. I would not be doing my job well if I let that happen. We're going to do our best to get it done and if not, then we'll have to go a different direction."
The new GM said he is working diligently to familiarize himself with Anaheim's prospect pool, especially a collection of NCAA players who could sign entry-level contracts once their collegiate seasons end.
"We have potentially three players that might decide, but I always leave it up to them," he said. "It's their decision to stay in school or not to stay in school. If they want to decide to come out, we'll encourage it, but at the end of the day, it's their decision."
Verbeek touched on several aspects of his team-building philosophy, including his dedication to scouting (he watches 225 live games per year, he estimates) and his belief in analytics.
"Analytics are] certainly something I have a high focus on," Verbeek said. "You can really use it well along with the coaching and the scouting aspects. I think you can merge them in such a way that will be beneficial not just in finding players but helping players develop their game.
"Analytics also play a key part in contracts. In a cap world, you're trying to find the best value you can for players. We're looking to improve our sports science department. Analytics and sport science will go hand-in-hand to help us understand what a player's potential is to get stronger and to physically improve his skating ability and things like that."
Verbeek also took the time to thank the Orange Alliance members who spent Saturday morning at the rink, saying their dedication helps foster an attractive atmosphere in Anaheim for future players.
"Being a former player, I can tell you how much we appreciate passionate fans," he said. "Without you guys, being on the ice isn't as fun. The atmosphere you create in the stands is very important. Especially in tough games, fans can give players more enthusiasm to push through the tough times. Your support is vital for us."
OA members clearly appreciated the transparency and honesty from the man now leading their team into the future, giving Verbeek several loud rounds of applause at various points of the sitdown.
"To have the GM come out here is confidence-building as a fan," Orange Alliance Member Daniel Battaglia added. "From getting to see the practice and listen to Dallas really explain the drills and what is going on, to listening to Verbeek's plan for the future and then seeing the guys showing their personalities and having fun, it was a great experience."
Added 21st Duck and passionate fan Luke Gane, "It continues to show how special this team and organization is and how family-oriented it is. With Verbeek, his reputation and his history, with his approach and what he presented today, it's really exciting... You're getting it right from the source."
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