Pat Verbeek’s tenure as general manager of the Anaheim Ducks, which began in February 2022, has been marked by a strategic and deliberate rebuilding process. As the Ducks navigate the 2024-2025 NHL season, it’s insightful to compare their progress. Under Verbeek’s leadership we can study other franchises that have recently undergone rebuilds, such as the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators.
Anaheim Ducks: The Verbeek Era
Upon his appointment, Verbeek inherited a team in transition, having missed the playoffs for several consecutive seasons. Recognizing the need for a foundational overhaul, he emphasized building through the draft and developing a robust prospect pool. This approach aligns with his vision of constructing a “hardworking, competitive team” that prioritizes skill and skating ability.
In the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the Ducks selected Leo Carlsson as the second-overall pick, a decision that underscored their commitment to acquiring high-end talent. Carlsson’s selection was pivotal in bolstering the team’s offensive prospects, and alongside promising young stars like Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier, Pat Verbeek’s rebuild has set itself up for a potential resurgence in the coming years.
The 2024-2025 season has seen the Ducks integrating young talent into their lineup. While the team has experienced growing pains, the emphasis remains on player development and establishing a cohesive unit. Verbeek’s strategy reflects patience, with an understanding that a successful rebuild requires time and meticulous planning.
Detroit Red Wings: The Yzerman Blueprint
Steve Yzerman’s return to Detroit as GM in 2019 marked the beginning of a comprehensive rebuild for the Red Wings. Yzerman, renowned for his success in Tampa Bay, brought a methodical approach to restructuring the team. The Red Wings focused on accumulating draft picks and prospects, aiming to build a sustainable contender.
As of the 2024-2025 season, Detroit’s rebuild has shown signs of progress. The team boasts a blend of emerging stars and seasoned veterans, positioning them as potential playoff contenders. However, the journey has been arduous, with the Red Wings enduring multiple seasons outside the playoff picture. This underscores the challenges inherent in executing a successful rebuild and the patience required to see tangible results.
Buffalo Sabres: A Cautionary Tale
The Buffalo Sabres’ rebuilding efforts have been ongoing for over a decade, characterized by a series of high draft picks and management changes. Despite the influx of young talent, including top selections like Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, the Sabres have struggled to translate potential into consistent success.
A major factor in Buffalo’s prolonged rebuild has been instability in management and coaching. The frequent turnover has hindered team chemistry and player development. Even as of 2024-2025, they continue to grapple with on-ice performance issues, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties associated with rebuilding in the NHL. The Sabres serve as a cautionary tale for the Ducks, emphasizing the importance of stability and a clear long-term vision.
Ottawa Senators: Building Through Youth
The Ottawa Senators embarked on their rebuild in the late 2010s, focusing on drafting and developing young talent. By the 2024-2025 season, the Senators have assembled a promising core of players, with expectations of emerging as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference. Their approach illustrates the potential rewards of patience and strategic drafting, though the timeline to contention has been extended.
Ottawa’s challenge has been transitioning from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender. While the team has drafted well, including Tim Stützle, Jake Sanderson, and Brady Tkachuk, they have yet to find consistent success. This serves as another lesson for Anaheim. That lesson being drafting alone isn’t enough. You still need strong leadership and roster balance to become a true contender.
Comparative Analysis: Anaheim’s Trajectory
When comparing the Pat Verbeek’s rebuild under the Ducks to these franchises, several observations emerge.
- Timeline and Patience: Rebuilds are inherently lengthy processes. Detroit and Ottawa’s experiences demonstrate that even with strategic planning, returning to competitiveness can span several years. Anaheim’s current trajectory suggests they are in the early to middle stages of this process, meaning fans will need to remain patient as prospects develop.
- Drafting and Development: A common thread among successful rebuilds is a focus on drafting and nurturing talent. The Ducks’ selection of Leo Carlsson mirrors this philosophy, aligning with the approaches of Detroit and Ottawa. The difference for Anaheim is whether they can properly develop their young stars and avoid stagnation like Buffalo has experienced.
- Management Stability: Consistency in leadership, as seen with Yzerman in Detroit, contributes to a clear and sustained vision. Verbeek’s tenure, though shorter, reflects a commitment to a defined rebuilding strategy. The Ducks need to maintain this stability and ensure that coaching staff and front-office decisions align with the long-term plan.
Current Season Performance and Key Stats
As of March 4, 2025, the Ducks’ performance reflects the growing pains typical of a rebuilding team. Integrating young talent into the NHL lineup has led to inconsistent results, but these experiences are invaluable for player development. The emphasis remains on growth and establishing a foundation for future success. Below is a comparison of Anaheim Ducks key rebuilding indicators with other franchises:
| Team | Years in Rebuild | Top Draft Picks (Last 5 Years) | Current Standings (2024-25) | Playoff Appearances Since Rebuild |
| Anaheim Ducks | 3 Years | Carlsson, Gauthier, McTavish | Bottom 7 | 0 |
| Detroit Red Wings | 5 Years | Raymond, Seider, Kasper | Wild Card Race | 0 |
| Buffalo Sabres | 10+ Years | Dahlin, Power, Quinn | Bottom 4 | 0 |
| Ottawa Senators | 7 Years | Stützle, Sanderson, Greig | Wild Card Race | 0 |
Looking Ahead: Can Anaheim Speed Up Their Rebuild?
The key question for the Pat Verbeek’s rebuild is whether they can accelerate their rebuild timeline and emerge as a playoff threat sooner rather than later. While they have a promising core of young players, the organization may need to be aggressive in free agency or on the trade market to complement their budding stars with veteran leadership.
One potential comparison is how the New Jersey Devils expedited their rebuild by acquiring key veterans, such as Dougie Hamilton, and surrounding their young core with experienced talent. If Anaheim follows a similar approach in the coming seasons, they could shorten their rebuild and become competitive sooner than teams like Ottawa or Buffalo.
Conclusion
Pat Verbeek’s rebuild aligns with the broader trends observed in other NHL franchises undergoing similar transformations. By prioritizing drafting, development, and patience, the Ducks aim to emulate the successes of teams like the Red Wings and Senators while avoiding the pitfalls experienced by the Sabres. The 2024-2025 season serves as a developmental phase, with the organization’s long-term vision centered on sustainable competitiveness. With the right mix of patience and strategic moves, Pat Verbeek’s rebuild could see them rise to prominence in the Western Conference in the near future.
Main Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara – Imagn Images
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