Breaking: Ducks Make Big Move With GM Pat Verbeek

The Anaheim Ducks have had a resurgent season, finally climbing out of their rebuild and will be heading back to the playoffs for the first time in eight years. For that, general manager Pat Verbeek has been rewarded, receiving a multi-year contract extension.

The Anaheim Ducks announce that GM Pat Verbeek has received a multi-year contract extension
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 10, 2026

"Pat has done exactly as we hoped, having turned the Ducks into what we believe our perennial contenders for the next decade," said Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli. "We are beyond excited to see the team continue developing into what is already an exciting, winning team ready to take the next step."

Verbeek has completed the Ducks' turnaround in four years, after his hiring in February of 2022.

Among the talented youngsters the GM has acquired, through the draft and trades, are Leo Carlsson (28 goals, 65 points), Beckett Sennecke (60 pts in rookie season) and Cutter Gauthier (38 goals).

One of Verbeek's master strokes this season was convincing the Washington Capitals to send him respected veteran defenseman John Carlson at the trade deadline. As Elliotte Friedman noted after the deal went down, "The Capitals kept on saying no, (but) Pat Verbeek is like a dog on a bone, and I think he just kept on making his offer better and better... Finally, they felt they couldn't say no anymore."

JOHN CARLSON HATTY!!!!! 🎩🚨

Hatty's in 1,155GP with WSH: 0
Hatty's in 13GP with ANA: 1

🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/Nn0KqNjIF6
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 10, 2026

The Ducks, despite a recent six-game tailspin, are sitting just one point behind the Edmonton Oilers for first place in the Pacific Division. They will clinch a playoff spot at some point this weekend.