Since February 2022, the Ducks have been under general manager Pat Verbeek, who has steered a rebuild that emphasizes a strong young core led by Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Beckett Sennecke.

Stapleton’s deep NHL background is noted, spanning 1984-2001 with 697 games and a lengthy career beginning as a seventh-round pick by Chicago in 1984.

Team president Aaron Teats underscores the importance of stability in hockey operations to support continued development and community pride.

Verbeek has reshaped the roster through notable moves, including trading Trevor Zegras to the Flyers and parting with Cam Fowler and John Gibson to create cap space and development time for youth.

A marquee trade brought Cutter Gauthier from Philadelphia for Jamie Drysdale and a 2024 second-round pick, with Gauthier contributing 38 goals and 65 points in his second full season.

The Ducks are described in the broader AP context as pursuing a playoff run, with coverage highlighting their progress.

Verbeek’s tenure is marked by a multi-year contract extension for the GM, signaling official recognition of the rebuild’s success.

Verbeek aided the hiring of Joel Quenneville as head coach, a move that helped the Ducks quickly become playoff contenders and reach a milestone 1,000 coaching wins this season.

The Ducks sit third in the Pacific with a 42-32-5 record and are within a point of first place with three games left, positioning them for a potential playoff clinch.

Context emphasizes that the extension reflects Verbeek’s transformative impact and the franchise’s return to playoff competitiveness.

Team owners Henry and Susan Samueli publicly praised Verbeek for turning the Ducks into perennial contenders and advancing the organization’s development trajectory.

Young talents such as Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Beckett Sennecke, and Jackson LaCombe are central to Anaheim’s contention, with Gauthier’s acquisition viewed as a pivotal upgrade.