Ducks GM speaks out against Jay Beagle and Tyson Nash about Zegras lack of respect

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Matt Garland
April 14, 2022 (5:54 PM)

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Pat Verbeek was an old school player who played a total of 1,424 games in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers, New York Rangers, Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings. He earned the nickname «Little Ball of Hate."

Times change and Verbeek is no longer the fiery player. He traded the skates in for a suit and tie. He now makes management decisions as the GM of the Anaheim Ducks. He maintains old-school philosophies when it comes to hard work, accountability and standing up for one's self and one's teammates. He's also adapted to the times, to changes in the game, to new styles of play.

That's why Verbeek felt compelled to defend rookie center Trevor Zegras against what he believed to be unwarranted criticism.

When I watch Trevor, this is just another unreal skill set and a creative way to score goals. What I'm trying to do is I'm trying to stick up for my player in the sense that there are people who think this is hot-dogging or not respecting the game.

I've talked to Trevor about this. I said, 'Trevor, I scored a few goals in this league. There's no way I could ever score a goal like that.' I've come to respect it. When Trevor and I have talked about the game, he understands. He respects the game and he respects the traditions of the game.

Zegras has 20 goals and 55 points in 60 games for the Ducks.

I'm sure Zegras appreciates his GM going to bat for him in the public. No matter what side of the argument you're on you can't deny the pure skill of the 21 year old rookie. He's a flashy player that can score breathtaking goals that have Hockey Fans around the world amazed.