Unnumbered Thoughts: For Anaheim Ducks it's all about the long-term vision

When Pat Verbeek was hired by the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 3, 2022, the team was in a playoff position. 

The Ducks were third in the Pacific Division with 55 points that day; playoffs that season could have been possible. 

Since his first day on the job, the Ducks have only gotten further and further from the playoff cut line statistically and standing-wise. 

The Ducks ended up missing the playoffs in 2022 by 31 points. They had the NHL’s worst record during the 2022-23 campaign, and this season have the third-worst record in the league. 

There have been loads of losses in Anaheim. It’s been one of the necessary evils of their rebuild. 

With the Ducks, and with all rebuilds, it’s important to keep long-term context in mind. 

In Anaheim, the ownership group has given Verbeek the trust and directive