Detroit Red Wings: Steve Yzerman adds Pat Verbeek to front office

With the news that long-time employee of the Detroit Red Wings Ken Holland is deciding to take the once vacant Edmonton Oilers GM job, Yzerman on the same day adds an old friend to the front office.

We thank Ken Holland for everything he’s done with the Detroit Red Wings over the years, but we shouldn’t be upset to see him go.  Not every General Manager will get everything right; that’s understandable.  Ken Holland was able to win three Stanley Cups as the organizations’ General Manager. Whether it was an open checkbook or not, he was still able to land players like Chris Chelios via trade.

Remember he landed Dominik Hasek by trading Slava Kozlov to the Sabres.  Those are the two better trades that always stand-out in my mind.  For every good deal or signing, he made also came a faulty one, it happens.  David Legwand along with Stephen Weiss seem to jump to the forefront of my memory.  Another recent deal I can’t seem to shake is the contract handed out to Frans Nielsen.  It seems it wasn’t the good or bad trades we will remember it’s the long-term contract extensions he signed below average players too.

That being said, for me it’s thanks for everything, good luck in the future but my feelings are not hurt seeing you go.  No matter what you think of Holland, he would have served as a valuable asset to Steve Yzerman especially after he decided to bring in his long-time friend and former teammate Pat Verbeek to be the teams’ Assistant General Manager.  Or is it Assistant to the General Manager?

Verbeek worked with Yzerman in Tampa Bay for many years.  In fact, he was hired shortly after Steve was named GM with the Lightning back in 2010.  He’s been there since but Yzerman was able to pluck him away from the Lightning.  They say history repeats itself; well, in this case, it has Yzerman just hired Verbeek making it his first hire since taking over as the Detroit Red Wings General Manager.

In an article published by Freep.com written by the incredibly talented Helene St. James Yzerman talks about how valuable Verbeek is;

"“Pat Verbeek is one of the brightest minds and hardest workers in the game and has been a trusted and valued resource to me throughout my management career,” Yzerman said in a statement. “He played a pivotal role in helping build the Lightning into a Stanley Cup contender throughout his tenure with the organization. I’m very excited to have Pat on board in Detroit and look forward to continuing to work alongside him.”"

Pat Verbeek was born in Sarnia, Ontario which is a stone’s throw from Detroit.  He’s lived in the area for quite some time so similar to Steve it’s a welcome home for Verbeek.  The New Jersey Devils drafted Pat in the third round, 43rd overall in the 1982 NHL Entry Level Draft.  He was a standout forward in junior with the Sudbury Wolves where he recorded 107 points in just 61 games in his final year of junior.

Verbeek spent time in the show with the Devils, Rangers, Whalers, Red Wings and Stars.  He only spent two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, but his playing style automatically made him a fan favorite.  A current player that he resembles would be Brad Marchand.  An undersized forward that no one really wants to play against who can get under your skin like a tick but can also put the puck in the net regularly.  Without a doubt a guy you hate unless he’s on the team you cheer for.

After 20 NHL seasons, Verbeek played 1424 career games, scored 522 goals while adding 540 helpers totaling 1062 career points.  He will be a valuable asset for the Detroit Red Wings moving forward; I wouldn’t be surprised if other franchises start calling for his services to be their GM down the road especially if the duo can turn another organization around.