The eye of the hockey world remain on the Panthers and Oilers as the Stanley Cup Final winds down. However, for 30 other clubs, the preparation for the 2025-26 season is well under way. One of those teams appearing to be on the rise is the Anaheim Ducks. General manager Pat Verbeek with join Neil and Vic to talk about a team with an intriguing mix of youth and veteran leadership and a new voice behind the bench.
Needless to say, the hosts will focus on Game 6 as the Panthers look to lock down consecutive championships and they'll add some league news as well.
The Human Side of the Story focuses on our guest but also addresses the path a former player needs to take in order to assume the role as GM.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[02:40] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To puts the spotlight on the Florida Panthers as they look to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers need to rectify a couple of areas in order to force a seventh game.
[10:11] - Before there was Brad Marchand, there was Pat Verbeek. As Neil opens the discussion, the similarities can't be mistaken.
[11:04] - The growth of the Ducks during 2024-25 saw them improve by 21 points over the season before. Still, Verbeek shares why a coaching change was made from Greg Cronin to one second on the all time wins list. A change which should bring more positive results from the Ducks younger players.
[13:51] - Whether Verbeek's past relationship with Joel Quenneville played a role in being selected as the Ducks new head coach.
[16:13] - While Quenneville was available, Verbeek addresses making the hire only after a thorough vetting process and ownership approval following an incident with the Blackhawks in 2010.
[19:35] - Quenneville's reputation with players around the league is expected to be a significant benefit to a Ducks team mixed with youth and veteran leadership.
[20:13] - With the acquisition of Chris Kreider, there are now four former Rangers in the Anaheim lineup.
[21:29] - Verbeek discusses the adaptation time for Trouba upon his arrival in Anaheim and the ability for him to simply come in and play without having to be a captain.
[24:15] - Is the change in Trevor Zegras play sustainable in 2025-26?
[26:22] - The Ducks have over $32 million in cap space. While no specifics to be shared, there is clearly an opportunity for Verbeek to upgrade his team further.
[28:15] - The qualities the Oilers and Panthers have which Verbeek would like to see within his own team.
[29:13] - Neil and Pat do some final reminiscing.
[36:46] - Vic and Neil preview Game 6 of the Final
[42:24] - Other NHL news
[45:37] - The Human SIde of the Story looks back at the career of Pat Verbeek and also does a deeper dive into the work needed to be put in by a former player aspiring to be a GM.
X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound
Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil
Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/
NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/
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