What Happened
According to Sportsnet, Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek sees similarities between his club's rebuild and the transition now underway with the Calgary Flames. Verbeek said he has spoken with Flames general manager Craig Conroy about the parallels. Verbeek took over in Anaheim in February 2022 and initially hoped to keep the veteran core, but was unable to sign Josh Manson, Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell to new deals, which forced a change in direction.
Key Details
- Verbeek became Ducks general manager in February 2022.
- Anaheim missed the playoffs three straight years before its current step forward.
- Manson, Lindholm and Rakell could not be re-signed, prompting the rebuild.
- Verbeek said his goal was contending for spring hockey, not a five-year Cup timeline.
- The Ducks accumulated draft picks and added veterans to support young players.
- Verbeek said he and Conroy have discussed the similarities between the two rebuilds.
What It Means
The Ducks' path offers a possible model for Calgary as Conroy reshapes the roster. Anaheim's experience shows a rebuild can require a pivot when veteran players cannot be retained, and that adding complementary veterans alongside drafted talent is part of the process. Verbeek's comments suggest the Flames are at an early stage of a similar multi-year transition.