Anaheim GM Search In Full Flight

Photo: NHL

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks search for a new General Manager began recently and it could be over within a month according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. The first round of interviews have been concluded and the Ducks will be conducting the second round of interviews soon. Elliotte Friedman thinks the Ducks could be done with their interviews in the next week or so.

There appears to be about 10-12 candidates. Anaheim has already interviewed interim GM Jeff Solomon, Assistant GM Martin Madden, and Assistant GM David Nonis. In terms of external candidates Anaheim has interviewed 5-6 candidates this past week. The Red Wings AGM Pat Verbeek and NY Rangers AGM Ryan Martin have been interviewed according to Pierre LeBrun. According to Frank Seravalli, Verbeek is the the current front runner.

Two other names who have been mentioned include Colorado AGM Chris MacFarland and Tampa Bay Director of Hockey Operations Mathieu Darche. Something to note is Tampa Bay posted a job listing for an Assistant GM – Director of Hockey Operations online. Obviously this doesn’t mean Darche will be the Ducks next GM, but it seems he could be on the move in the near future.

Finally, there appears to also be women candidates in the mix according to the Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli. He didn’t provide any names, but it seems the Ducks are doing an extensive search.

Analysis:

This is an extremely critical decision for the Anaheim Ducks. Bob Murray was the General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks from 2008 to 2021. The Ducks have to consider all potential candidates and hope to select someone who will be a long-term GM for the team and not a quick fix.

The trade deadline is also coming up in March and the team has some big decisions to make in regards to Hampus Lindholm, Josh Manson, and Rickard Rakell. All three are unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. The Ducks are weighing their options as to whether to extend them or try to trade them. Where the Ducks are in the standings closer to the deadline is a factor in their decision according to Pierre LeBrun.

The GM search committee consists of Paul Kariya, Scott Niedermayer, CEO Michael Schulman, President of Business Operations Aaron Teats, and the owners. They have been doing their due diligence in this process. Let’s hope they choose a GM who can build the Ducks into a contending team going forward each season.

Related Articles:

Solomon Takes Over For Murray

Bob Murray Resigns

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January 28th, 2022