Ducks hire Pat Verbeek as GM

The Anaheim Ducks hired Pat Verbeek as general manager, the team announced Thursday.

"Pat's outstanding work ethic and vast knowledge of the game as a successful executive and player throughout his 35-plus years in the NHL make him an outstanding fit to lead us forward. He brings a unique pedigree, having vast experience and serving in integral leadership roles for championship teams as both a player and executive at the NHL level," Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli said.

Verbeek was formerly the Detroit Red Wings' assistant GM, a role he started in May 2019.

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman brought Verbeek back to Detroit after the former teammates worked together with the Tampa Bay Lightning dating back to 2010. Verbeek had served as a pro scout with the Red Wings before joining the Lightning. The 57-year-old was also Team North America's director of player personnel at the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.

Tampa Bay hired Verbeek as director of pro scouting in June 2010, shortly after landing Yzerman. Tampa Bay then promoted Verbeek to assistant GM in July 2011.

Verbeek suited up for five teams, including Detroit, during his 20-year playing career. The former winger collected 522 goals and 540 assists over 1,424 games. He won the Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999.

Anaheim's previous GM and executive vice president, Bob Murray, resigned in November and pledged to enter an alcohol abuse program following a team investigation into his professional conduct. Murray had been with Anaheim as an executive since 2005 and as GM since 2008.