Ducks Extend GM Pat Verbeek, Promote Stapleton to Associate GM

Anaheim's front office leadership team gets a vote of confidence with new deals.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Ducks' front office shakeup signals a new era of strategic leadership as the team aims to secure its first playoff berth in years.Anaheim Today

The Anaheim Ducks have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with general manager Pat Verbeek and promoted assistant GM Mike Stapleton to the role of associate GM and senior VP of hockey operations.

Why it matters

Verbeek has been instrumental in rebuilding the Ducks' roster through the draft and trades, assembling a young core that has the team on the verge of its first playoff appearance in eight years. Securing his long-term future is a sign of confidence from ownership in the direction of the franchise.

The details

Since taking over as Ducks GM in 2022, Verbeek has been aggressive in his pursuit of finishing the team's rebuild, making six first-round draft picks and acquiring experienced talent like Mikael Granlund, Alex Killorn and Radko Gudas in free agency. He's also made several impactful trades, including acquiring the signing rights of 2022 5th overall pick Cutter Gauthier. Of the Ducks' top 10 scorers, Verbeek has signed, drafted or acquired seven of them.

  • Verbeek took over as Ducks GM in February 2022.
  • The Ducks announced the contract extensions on April 10, 2026.

The players

Pat Verbeek

The Ducks' general manager who has overseen the team's rebuild and assembled the current roster.

Mike Stapleton

The Ducks' assistant GM who has been promoted to associate GM and senior VP of hockey operations.

Henry and Susan Samueli

The owners of the Anaheim Ducks, who expressed confidence in Verbeek's ability to turn the team into 'perennial contenders for the next decade.'

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What they’re saying

“Verbeek has 'turned the Ducks into what we believe are perennial contenders for the next decade.'”

— Henry and Susan Samueli, Ducks owners

What’s next

The Ducks will look to build on their recent success and make their first playoff appearance in eight years under the continued leadership of Verbeek and Stapleton.

The takeaway

The Ducks' front office stability and long-term vision, led by Verbeek's aggressive roster-building approach, have positioned the team to be a contender in the coming years after a prolonged rebuild.