Latest news with #PatVerbeek
New York Times
20 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Why did the Ducks trade for Chris Kreider, and what might come next?
General manager Pat Verbeek is taking a peculiar path when it comes from shifting the Anaheim Ducks from a long and painful rebuild into a win-now mode — and moving toward playoffs-or-bust mode. With his trade for the proven and, well, aging goal-scorer Chris Kreider expected to become official on Thursday — for forward prospect Carey Terrance, plus a draft-pick swap — Verbeek apparently is trying to reconstruct the 2022 Eastern Conference finalist New York Rangers to help guide his team toward ending a seven-year postseason drought. Advertisement We're not expecting the Ducks to acquire Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox or Alexis Lafrenière to make Kreider feel completely at home after spending the last 14 years of his hockey life in New York, but the 34-year-old winger should feel more at ease with former teammates Jacob Trouba, Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano already in Anaheim. But Verbeek turning part of the Ducks' roster into Rangers West, at a crucial point in their evolution, is indeed a choice. There is some pressure on Verbeek as he enters his fourth year on the job. Ducks fans have had their patience tested by poor seasons, trade deadline sell-offs, the slow-moving development of high draft picks and best prospects, and a general lack of material progress. He's on his second head coaching hire, so turfing Greg Cronin for Joel Quenneville, despite a 21-point year-over-year improvement in the standings, must be followed by results. Also, usually media-shy owner Henry Samueli all but led the charge into 2025-26 at Quenneville's introductory news conference. The Ducks are armed with what PuckPedia estimates is nearly $39 million of salary-cap space, and Samueli is willing to flex some financial muscle to improve the team. 'We're not going to write stupid checks,' Samueli said last month. 'But I told (Pat), you do what it takes to make this a really steady perennial playoff contender and Stanley Cup contender down the road. And if it means signing big-name free agents, go for it. We told him, going forward, you will not be constrained by the budget.' Which makes their first big move of the summer a curious one. Kreider can still skate well enough to be a threat off the rush, and will give the Ducks a short-handed threat on a penalty-kill unit that needed an upgrade. His biggest presence will come at the net and on the power play, since he's long been effective at screening goalies and finding rebounds. He also has excelled at tipping pucks and redirecting shots, two skills that the Ducks' 30th-ranked offense and dead-last power play can desperately use. Advertisement The red flag here is whether Kreider's 22-goal season — a bad year by his standards, after his 127 goals in his previous three, including his massive 52-goal blowout in 2021-22 — was just one ugly part of the Rangers' team-wide failure, or a bellwether of a dramatic personal decline. Sure, the cap is spiking upward, but the Ducks taking the remaining two seasons of Kreider's deal, at a $6.5 million cap number, won't look good if the winger doesn't put at least 20 to 25 pucks in the net, or if he provides only a negligible impact at five-on-five play or on special teams. The Ducks will like the fact that Kreider's actual salary is lower: $5 million in each season. Samueli has always valued that, more than the AAV, when taking on a contract. While the trade return — Terrance (a second-round pick in 2023) and a third-round draft pick — is hardly a major cost for a big winger with 326 career goals, the Ducks do, in a certain view, come out looking like a contract-dumping ground for Rangers GM Chris Drury, who also sent Trouba and his $8 million contract to Anaheim last December. Of the Ducks' ex-Rangers, Vatrano is the only one who has been highly productive — and Verbeek rewarded the edgy winger with a three-year extension. Kreider must produce, before that Ducks-Rangers connection becomes a damaging narrative. But what really matters for the Ducks in this offseason is this trade being the first in a series of moves to show they are serious about becoming relevant. Kreider's $6.5 million puts only a small dent in the Ducks' available cap space. Each team is gaining an additional $7.5 million for next season, putting the cap ceiling at $95.5 million, and it is expected to rise further, to $104 million in 2026-27 and $113.5 million in 2027-28. But the Ducks must pay core young players in those coming seasons, starting with center Mason McTavish and No. 1 goalie Lukáš Dostál. As pending restricted free agents, McTavish and Dostál need new contracts now. Both are set to get significant raises. McTavish's entry-level deal contained attainable $2.5 million performance bonuses in addition to his $832,500 base salary. Dostál just finished a two-year second contract worth $1.625 million ($812,500 AAV). They also must extend RFA Drew Helleson, and potential new deals for Trevor Zegras, Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger are on the horizon. Advertisement Even with expected pay hikes for McTavish and Dostál, the Ducks are in position to flex their financial might. They have no notable unrestricted free agents this summer. There have been rumblings of a planned entrance into the Mitch Marner sweepstakes, with the contracts for Trouba and team captain Radko Gudas set to end next summer. The Ducks may want to hang onto John Gibson and play him with Dostál in a strong 1A/1B tandem, but trading Gibson and his $6.5 cap number could provide more flexibility if they avoided retaining salary. The roster fit with Kreider may be trickier. A natural left wing, Kreider joins a club with Gauthier, Vatrano and Zegras all playing a lot (or exclusively) there last season. The Ducks have Carlsson and McTavish atop their depth chart down the middle, and they played Strome at center last season. If they're able to somehow land Marner on a massive deal, that would put him with Troy Terry and Alex Killorn on right wing. With or without Marner, the Ducks would surely want Kreider in their top-nine and would consider him for the top-six. Gauthier is on the rise after scoring 20 goalies as a rookie and finishing fifth in Calder Trophy voting. Vatrano has 80 goals in his three Anaheim seasons. Kreider's arrival could put Zegras, who has dealt with injuries the last two seasons and has long been floated in trade rumors, in an uncertain position. (It should be noted that New York native Zegras and Kreider are good friends and offseason training partners, so the Ducks still could try to tap into Zegras's vast upside, particularly with Quenneville now on board.) Verbeek has turned over the Ducks since his hiring in February 2022. Gibson, the last link to their playoff seasons, is just one of five — with Zegras, Terry, Dostál and Isac Lundestrom — to remain with the team since the GM change from Bob Murray. This is Verbeek's team. He's had time now to execute his vision for how Anaheim will be successful. That vision remains incomplete after the trade for Kreider. This should only be the beginning of what promises to be an active summer for the Ducks. The hard part of building a consistent contender remains for Verbeek, but full judgment should be reserved until he has played more of his cards. Kreider might not work, but the Ducks are back in the game. It's about time.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Anaheim Ducks Nearing Big Splash, Landing Rangers' Chris Krieder in Potential Trade for Top Prospect
Anaheim Ducks narrowing in on a trade to acquire all-star forward Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers in exchange for a high-end prospect. Image A significant shakeup may be on the horizon in the NHL, as trade discussions between the New York Rangers and the Anaheim Ducks have reportedly reached an advanced stage. According to insider chatter, including a report from Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, a deal is forming that would send longtime Rangers forward Chris Kreider to the Ducks in exchange for promising young centre Carey Terrance. While the deal isn't finalized, sources suggest both parties have laid the groundwork, with the Ducks reportedly willing to absorb the full remainder of Kreider's contract. The 33-year-old veteran winger carries a $6.5 million cap hit through the 2026–27 season and has a 15-team no-trade clause, which means Kreider's willingness to waive it for Anaheim would be a key factor before any paperwork is signed. Advertisement More NHL: New Jonathan Toews Next Team Betting Odds Revealed With Unexpected Frontrunner Kreider's Fit in Anaheim: Much Needed Addition For Win-Now Attitude Should the deal go through, the Ducks would get a proven top-six forward who brings leadership, physicality, and scoring touch. Many insiders, including Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman noted entering the off-season that the Ducks would be aggressive in acquiring talent in an attempt to make the postseason. For Ducks GM Pat Verbeek, taking on Kreider's contract in full is a bold move that suggests Anaheim is ready to accelerate its rebuild timeline. With well over $20 million in projected cap space, the Ducks are one of the few teams that could comfortably accommodate a deal like this without requiring salary retention from New York. Advertisement Kreider, known for his net-front presence and explosive speed, has been a fixture in New York since being drafted 19th overall back in 2009 and since has tallied over 326 goals, totalling 582 points through 883 games. His playoff experience and veteran poise would provide a stabilizing force to a young Anaheim roster led by Trevor Zegras, Leo Carlsson, and Mason McTavish. More NHL: 2025 Stanley Cup Final Betting Preview: Oilers-Panthers Set for Epic Rematch Who Is Carey Terrance? Heading to the Rangers in the proposed swap would be Carey Terrance, one of Anaheim's most intriguing forward prospects. Drafted 59th overall in 2023, Terrance is a versatile centre, who showcased his elite talents when notching 33 goals and 67 points in 68 games with the OHL's Erie Otters. Terrance also earned international attention after helping Team USA secure gold at the 2024 World Junior Championship. For New York, this deal would clear valuable cap space while bringing in a potential top six forward in the future and could work as a solid bottom six role next season when they aim to return to the postseason. Betting Implications From a sports betting perspective, this trade could tilt the futures market in subtle but meaningful ways. Kreider's addition would boost the Ducks' credibility as a sleeper pick in the Pacific Division. Anaheim's odds to make the playoffs haven't surfaced just yet but are starting to look like a solid value bet especially with the Ducks agenda likely being to continue adding. Advertisement For the Rangers, shipping out Kreider might look like a step backward, especially to casual fans and bettors, but it could provide a shakeup to the roster and the culture as they look to enter free agency with more cap flexibility to make more adjustments. In the short term, New York's Stanley Cup odds may see a minor dip (currently around +3400), but the move could pay off long term if the cap space is reinvested wisely. More NHL: 2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges Prop Bets to Watch If Kreider joins the Ducks, look for props related to his production to get interesting. With Anaheim, he'd likely see top-line minutes and power-play time, making overs on goals and points very viable, especially early in the season. His goal total may spike simply due to a change in usage as he should lead the team in forwards average time on ice.
New York Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
In rare comments, Ducks owner Henry Samueli discusses Joel Quenneville, spending, a playoff push
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Long content to stay in the background, Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli stepped into the spotlight on Thursday when his team introduced Joel Quenneville as the 12th head coach in franchise history. In this moment, Samueli needed to address Quenneville's return to the NHL after a three-and-a-half-year exile — much of that under a league-levied ban before his reinstatement last July — as punishment for his inactive role in the Chicago Blackhawks' sexual assault scandal. Samueli discussed how he arrived at a comfort level in hiring the second-winningest coach in NHL history, but one whose hiring has brought sharp criticism from some. Advertisement Samueli, the 70-year-old Orange County philanthropist who now has owned the Ducks for 20 years, also took the opportunity to talk big about raised expectations and giving Quenneville and general manager Pat Verbeek the tools to meet them. It was notable because Samueli rarely does interviews about his team. After seven seasons without playoff hockey — the longest stretch in franchise history — Samueli wants back in the chase for the Stanley Cup. 'That is the pressure we're putting on both Pat and Joel,' he said. 'They know that the fans and the ownership expect to make the playoffs this (next) season. There's a lot of pressure to put on a coach and a GM. But you got to do it.' That was music to Troy Terry's ears. The winger is about to enter his eighth NHL season but he has yet to appear in a playoff game. But he heard Samueli say that he'll support Quenneville and management with financial commitment for any roster upgrades that are necessary. 'It means everything,' Terry said. 'I have been here, and I've been through trade deadlines where we trade everyone that I'm close with that's on expiring contracts. And that's just kind of been the reality of where our team is and what needed to be done. 'And now, kind of ride that whole process out and now having a big jump last year where we still think there's obviously a lot more to build on, to just kind of see the whole evolution and this hiring of a coach and just the commitment to really starting to make this thing go now and have big goals just going into next year. 'It's exciting for me. That's what I've been looking forward to since I came into the NHL — to have those opportunities.' Here are some additional highlights of Samueli's 13-minute media session, which have been lightly edited for brevity. On any concern over the optics of hiring Quenneville '(My wife) Susan and I have built a reputation in this community, hopefully a good one. Obviously preserving that is really important. We know that there will be negative comments on social media, but to us it's most important that we maintain our integrity. Did we do a thorough investigation? Are we comfortable with Joel and his current state of health and being and mental wellness? And we are comfortable. Very comfortable. We're really not overly worried that it's going to become a problem. Advertisement 'Yes, we'll hear negatives. Fine. We'll deal with it. And I fully respect people who have negative opinions or going to have negative comments. There's a lot of people who are victims of abuse, and I have nothing but the most respect for them. We'll listen and try to convince them that we really did go through a thorough process and that Joel really is a good person who happened to make a mistake. I feel comfortable that we can deal with the situation.' On not hiring another coach without Quenneville's baggage 'First of all, as you've heard a million times, you can't argue with his record. A younger coach, there's risk. They may have great experience, but do they really have that track record in the NHL? So going with somebody who's been in the NHL, second-winningest coach all the time, he doesn't have to prove his capabilities. We know his capabilities. 'And then we looked at his prior record of working with teams who were in a very similar situation as the Ducks. A lot of young talent ready to break out. And he's done it twice. He did it in Chicago and in Florida, although he didn't carry it all the way through in Florida, but we see how great of a team they've turned out to be. So, the fact that he has a historical record of greatness, but he's also being put in a position where he's been in twice before and succeeded twice before lowered the risk for us, and that's the reason you would go with him.' On the team's plans in working with sexual abuse survivors and advocacy groups 'As Pat mentioned (during the news conference), we're already very deeply involved in the community. Susan, in fact in the foundation, does work with sexual (assault and) human trafficking. So many organizations we're working with in the abuse area. And, so, the connections are already made. It would be very easy for us to introduce Joel to those folks, and he can get more involved on the philanthropic side with what we're doing in our foundation. It will happen. And I'm very confident that Joel will be a star when it comes to working with those organizations.' On where the Ducks are at in their evolution 'It has been a long, painful process, but we felt that we've reached a point where the rebuild is coming to an end. It really is. And it's time to take the step to becoming a perennial playoff contender and eventually Stanley Cup contender. We said, 'Look, if we want to take that step, we really should bring in a coach who's been there, done that.' And that was one of the main reasons for wanting to bring someone like a Joel Quenneville in, because we felt comfortable that he could take us from the end of a rebuild to the beginning of a playoff era. Advertisement 'We were a perennial playoff team. Five-time division champion. We've been through that, so we know what it's like and you miss it. And I miss it personally, going to playoff games. So that's one reason we were willing to write a much bigger check this time around than in the past, because bringing in someone of Joel's stature obviously going cost more money. But we're willing to make that investment into the team. And then we've told Pat, same thing when going out and looking for players. You will have the budget you need to make this a serious playoff team and you don't have to pinch pennies anymore. Do what it takes to make this a good team.' On allowing Verbeek to spend to a salary cap that is rising ($95.5 million in 2025-26) 'If necessary. He's going to spend wisely. We're not going to write stupid checks. But I told him, you do what it takes to make this a really steady perennial playoff contender and Stanley Cup contender down the road. And if it means signing big-name free agents, go for it. We told him going forward you will not be constrained by the budget.' (Photo of Henry Samueli at the 2024 NHL Draft: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Joel Quenneville lands new role with Anaheim Ducks following long suspension
Joel Quenneville lands new role with Anaheim Ducks following long suspension (Image Source: Getty Images) Joel Quenneville is back in the world of hockey. The Anaheim Ducks have brought on Joel Quenneville as their next head coach. He may be the most successful head coach in NHL history . This is his first job in almost four years. He resigned from the NHL in 2021 following a report that he had not acted appropriately when handling a serious incident in Chicago. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far He says he has learned from that incident and wants to move forward and start again. Joel Quenneville returns to NHL as Anaheim Ducks head coach after four years away Joel Quenneville was at one time the best NHL coach. He won three Stanley Cups as Blackhawks coach. But in 2021, he resigned from the Florida Panthers after a report indicated that the Blackhawks handled an allegation of sexual abuse by a player poorly. Joel Quenneville asserted that he had no idea how serious the situation was at the time but confessed that he ought to have asked more questions. The Ducks report they looked hard at what transpired. They also interviewed individuals Joel Quenneville worked with while he was away. They feel he is genuinely remorseful and has done a good job of reforming. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek, a former teammate of Joel Quenneville's, indicated he feels Joel should get another chance. Joel Quenneville edged out other candidates to be hired and indicated he is thrilled to be back in the profession. Joel Quenneville leads Anaheim Ducks into the future The Ducks are a young team. They did a lot better last season but still missed the playoffs. They are hoping that Joel Quenneville will be able to help them improve even more. He has 969 wins as a coach, the second most in NHL history. He has coached young teams before, such as the Blackhawks before they were champions. The fans are eagerly waiting for his comeback, but some are concerned due to his history. The Ducks indicate they hear and are taking it seriously. They want to win games but also want to do the right thing. Joel Quenneville indicated he has learned a great deal over the past four years. He has worked with organizations that prevent abuse and make hockey safer for all. He indicates he knows he made errors, but he is prepared to be a better coach and leader now. Also Read: Offseason Buzz: Bowen Byram's Future, Joel Quenneville's Coaching Return, And Calgary Flames' Strategy
National Post
08-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Joel Quenneville hired by Anaheim Ducks for 1st head coaching job since Blackhawks abuse scandal
Joel Quenneville is returning to the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks for his first head coaching job since the second-winningest coach in league history resigned and was banned for his handling of a sexual assault scandal. Article content Article content The 66-year-old Quenneville was hired by Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek on Thursday for his first coaching job since his resignation from the Florida Panthers 3 1/2 years ago in the wake of his handling of the sexual assault scandal during his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks. Article content Verbeek called the move 'a major step forward in our process of being a perennial playoff contender' and said the team had done its due diligence. Article content 'Over the last two weeks, we conducted interviews with many outstanding coaching candidates, while simultaneously conducting a comprehensive review of what took place while Joel was head coach of the Blackhawks in 2010,' he said. 'Our findings are consistent with Joel's account that he was not fully aware of the severity of what transpired in 2010. It is clear that Joel deeply regrets not following up with more questions at the time, has demonstrated meaningful personal growth and accountability and has earned the opportunity to return to coaching.' Article content 🗣️ GM Pat Verbeek on the hiring of Joel Quenneville. #FlyTogether — Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) May 8, 2025 Article content Quenneville and Blackhawks executives Stan Bowman and Al MacIsaac were banned from the NHL for nearly three years after an independent investigation concluded that the team mishandled allegations raised by former player Kyle Beach against video coach Brad Aldrich during the team's Stanley Cup run in 2010. The trio was reinstated last July, and Bowman became the Edmonton Oilers ' general manager three weeks later. Article content Quenneville said he was 'truly grateful' to be back in the league. Article content 'In nearly four years away from the game, I have learned from my prior mistakes and realized it will be actions over words that demonstrate my commitment to being a better leader,' he said. Article content Before his departure, Quenneville spent parts of 25 NHL seasons behind the benches of St. Louis, Colorado, Chicago and Florida, establishing himself as his era's most consistent winning coach. Article content He led the Blackhawks to Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013 and 2015. His 969 career victories are the second-most in NHL history, trailing only Scotty Bowman's 1,244. Article content Quenneville's reputation and career were badly damaged by his role in the Blackhawks' handling of the accusations against Aldrich. After four seasons out of the sport, the 13-year NHL defenseman is getting another chance behind the bench — this time with a franchise in the middle of a lengthy rebuilding process. Article content Article content Quenneville takes over a team that has missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons, the third-longest active absence in the NHL. Anaheim finished sixth in the Pacific Division this season at 35-37-10 after being in the bottom two for the previous four consecutive years. Article content He replaces Greg Cronin, who was surprisingly fired by Verbeek at the conclusion of his second season in charge. Cronin led the Ducks to a 21-point improvement in his second season, but Verbeek changed course for reasons he declined to reveal when he announced the firing. Article content While announcing the change, Verbeek said he expects the Ducks to make the playoffs next season. That's a pronouncement that the first-time GM had never made during his 3 1/2 years in charge of owner Henry Samueli's franchise. Article content And Quenneville has plenty of experience in getting teams to the postseason. His teams have made 20 Stanley Cup playoff appearances, reaching the postseason in all but two of the 22 seasons he finished. Article content Quenneville inherits a team with an ample stock of young talent. The roster includes No. 2 overall pick Leo Carlsson, No. 3 overall picks Mason McTavish and Beckett Sennecke, promising forward Cutter Gauthier, rising defensemen Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov, and several veteran forwards, including two-time All-Star Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. Article content
