Pat Verbeek, General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks and Hall of Fame player, joins Neil and Vic to discuss the franchise's exciting transformation. Fresh off a 21-point improvement in the standings and the blockbuster hiring of three-time Stanley Cup champion Joel Quenneville as head coach, Verbeek shares his vision for building a playoff contender. From his playing days alongside Quenneville in Hartford to assembling a roster with former Rangers talent and developing young stars, Verbeek provides insight into the Ducks' path forward and the lessons learned from near-playoff misses.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] - Pat Verbeek joins the show to discuss the Anaheim Ducks' exciting offseason moves and franchise trajectory.

[01:00] - Comparing Brad Marchand's playoff performance to Verbeek's Hall of Fame playing style and competitive edge.

[02:00] - The 21-point jump in the standings: Greg Cronin's first-year impact on accountability, discipline, and work ethic.

[03:00] - Building leadership with veterans Alex Killorn and Radko Gudas to set examples for young players.

[04:00] - The coaching change from Cronin to Joel Quenneville: special teams struggles that cost six wins and the need for improved goal scoring.

[05:00] - Expectations for young stars Trevor Zegras, Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Jackson LaCombe, and Pavel Mintyukov to take major offensive strides.

[06:00] - Why Joel Quenneville is the highest-profile coach in Ducks franchise history, surpassing Mike Babcock and Randy Carlyle.

[07:00] - The Hartford Whalers connection: playing with Quenneville and talking hockey on bus rides with future coaches Dave Tippett, Mike Liut, Rod Brind'Amour, and Kevin Dineen.

[08:00] - Quenneville's "video camera mind": his ability to process matchups and make real-time decisions on the bench.

[09:00] - The "Doug Armstrong move": learning from St. Louis's quick coaching change to hire Jim Montgomery after firing Drew Bannister.

[10:00] - Exit interviews with players that revealed themes and concerns, leading to the decision to make a coaching change.

[11:00] - The excitement in Anaheim: Quenneville's instant credibility and respect from players throughout the league.

[12:00] - The New York Rangers pipeline: Chris Kreider joins Jacob Trouba, Ryan Strome, and Frank Vatrano to create familiarity and comfort.

[13:00] - How having former Rangers teammates made it easier for Kreider to waive his no-trade clause and join the Ducks.

[14:00] - Jacob Trouba's adjustment from Manhattan to Anaheim and the transition from being captain to playing alongside captain Radko Gudas.

[16:00] - The Anaheim advantage: a quieter life in Orange County compared to the intense spotlight of playing in New York City.

[17:00] - Trevor Zegras beyond the Michigan goal: developing physicality, jam, and two-way responsibility to become a complete player.

[18:00] - Learning from Florida's formula: even elite players pin and seal checks, block shots, and do the details required to win.

[19:00] - Free agency plans with significant cap space: making phone calls, improving the roster, and pushing for the playoffs.

[21:00] - What the Panthers and Oilers teach: every player competes at a 10, willing to block shots, take hits, and play with discipline and grit.

[23:00] - Verbeek's playing career: proving doubters wrong about being "too small" and winning the Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999.

[24:00] - The critical lesson from last season: losing key games against St. Louis (3), Calgary (2), and Vancouver (2) that cost playoff position.

[25:00] - The Dallas blueprint: learning to handle pressure and expectations, losing to Colorado and Detroit before finally winning the Cup in 1999.

[26:00] - The message to the team: winning games that matter when they need to be won is the next step in organizational...