Speculation: 2024-25 Coaching/Management/Ownership

[Big Fat Rebound]

I’m not necessarily directing this towards you, but I’m not really sure what reason people have for thinking Cronin was signed to a 2 year deal + option year? Most NHL coaches are signed to at least 3 year deals, Lebrun reported that Cronin has one year left on his contract, the only people I’ve seen suggest that his contract less than that are HF posters who see the idea that we gave Cronin a 3 year deal unfathomable (despite the fact that nearly every NHL HC is hired to a contract of that length). If anyone can provide a source that indicates otherwise then I’ll take their word for it but from everything I’ve seen so far the idea that Cronin isn’t under contract for next season seems to be nothing more than cope

Just asking. LeBrun seemed rather definitive though.

Either way, it's irrelevant, as I've been of the opinion that Cronin's coming back for about 6 weeks now.

 

[MMC]

Just asking. LeBrun seemed rather definitive though.

Either way, it's irrelevant, as I've been of the opinion that Cronin's coming back for about 6 weeks now.

People have to remember PV didn’t do that much this past offseason. So a 20 point improvement with that in mind is probably something he’s happy with. That being said I don’t think he’ll have any interest in any regression from this season so if that happens I think everyone will get what they want and Cronin will be gone. And if the team continues to improve and be in the playoff picture then I can’t imagine anyone will be upset about Cronin being here. So either way I wouldn’t worry about it I guess

 

[JAHV]

If they could convince David Carle to come, I'd love to see it. But given how much Verbeek talked up McIlvane when he was hired, I'm guessing that's the succession plan. Which can wait until next year.

 

[Leonardo87]

As me and my good buddy @Leonardo87 were discussing in person at the game the other day the kids are playing well and Cronin has a year left on his contract, who exactly is PV bringing in as HC to justify moving on from Cronin? I mean if he has a legit NHL head coach ready to come in here and run a program sure, go ahead and make the switch but if not? Might as well see if Cronin can build on this season and if there’s any sign of regression go ahead and pull the trigger on him and make a switch. But if the best you can do is bring in another perennial assistant, you might as well just see if Cronin can build on this season or not

I don’t see him going anywhere this summer. Mac, Leo, Cutter, and LaCombe have made some very good progress. They have more points in the standings this season even if there are still a lot of issues. Especially since he still has one more year on his contract.

With that said, need to change the special teams coaches. That is almost a given. Need some fresh ideas in that locker room.

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

In terms of making the playoffs, we don't have the roster and we don't have the coaches. PV tried and failed to upgrade the team over the summer so any improvement had to come from the kids getting better, which it did, but largely Dostal and LaCombe. The one significant area of improvement over last year is that our opponents convert on fewer high danger chances, that's what's let us creep up to .500. But that's the ceiling - the last third of the year we've seen steps taken by Carlsson/Mac/Cutter but it hasn't really gotten us over the hump. Like, not even close. So I think this roster is more or less at its limit in terms of what it can achieve under this coach.

And adding more doodz isn't really going to help with our record unless it's a serious upgrade on D or multiple offensive guys needed to get us consistently, permanently over the 3 GPG mark. Maybe the kids take even bigger steps next year and that does the trick, we get to 10+ games over 500 and true wildcard contention. But even then, we're a team that claims to be a defense-first, grinding, possession team that can't retrieve pucks, play defense, or maintain possession. That kind of a mismatch will always be fatal to us becoming an actual good team (even if we make the playoffs), and it can only be fixed by changing the roster or changing the system.

The roster is deliberate - PV made this roster on purpose. So it's not going to be rebooted. Maybe Z goes for some middling grinder. Maybe we get another Trouba type. Some churn. But, more or less, this is the roster. And I think the system is deliberate too, it's a statement of philosophy by both PV and Cronin. This (imagined) type of play is how good manly teams ought to play. This is the mindset that leads to turning Z into a grinding winger who spends all his time back checking poorly, or thinking of Mac as a middle six power forward instead of the high end sniper/net-driver that he is, or keeping Cutter off the PP. Because they play "wrong."

I dunno, it's been a weird season. I'm happy they've improved and you can see a core coming together. It isn't fair to not credit Cronin for that because at least you can say he didn't prevent it from happening. But I believe 100% that he'll be back next year and also 100% that he's a bad coach and is probably detrimental to the success of at least some of our best young players. Hard to get excited about the future while that's true, at least for me.

 

[FlyingV09]

I do think the team has looked better for stretches this season. Some of the younger guys are starting to figure it out which is nice to see.

How much of the improvement can simply be attributed to a healthier lineup this year? Last year the team was ravaged by injuries which almost certainly cost them 10-15 points.

The special teams still suck. Defensive play is still not good.

I do think the coaching staff should get some credit for some improvement in the overall play, but I just don’t see how you continue with this coaching group if you want to take that next step into a contender. There’s not enough substance to lean on in their defense.

 

[anezthes]

In terms of making the playoffs, we don't have the roster and we don't have the coaches. PV tried and failed to upgrade the team over the summer so any improvement had to come from the kids getting better, which it did, but largely Dostal and LaCombe. The one significant area of improvement over last year is that our opponents convert on fewer high danger chances, that's what's let us creep up to .500. But that's the ceiling - the last third of the year we've seen steps taken by Carlsson/Mac/Cutter but it hasn't really gotten us over the hump. Like, not even close. So I think this roster is more or less at its limit in terms of what it can achieve under this coach.

And adding more doodz isn't really going to help with our record unless it's a serious upgrade on D or multiple offensive guys needed to get us consistently, permanently over the 3 GPG mark. Maybe the kids take even bigger steps next year and that does the trick, we get to 10+ games over 500 and true wildcard contention. But even then, we're a team that claims to be a defense-first, grinding, possession team that can't retrieve pucks, play defense, or maintain possession. That kind of a mismatch will always be fatal to us becoming an actual good team (even if we make the playoffs), and it can only be fixed by changing the roster or changing the system.

The roster is deliberate - PV made this roster on purpose. So it's not going to be rebooted. Maybe Z goes for some middling grinder. Maybe we get another Trouba type. Some churn. But, more or less, this is the roster. And I think the system is deliberate too, it's a statement of philosophy by both PV and Cronin. This (imagined) type of play is how good manly teams ought to play. This is the mindset that leads to turning Z into a grinding winger who spends all his time back checking poorly, or thinking of Mac as a middle six power forward instead of the high end sniper/net-driver that he is, or keeping Cutter off the PP. Because they play "wrong."

I dunno, it's been a weird season. I'm happy they've improved and you can see a core coming together. It isn't fair to not credit Cronin for that because at least you can say he didn't prevent it from happening. But I believe 100% that he'll be back next year and also 100% that he's a bad coach and is probably detrimental to the success of at least some of our best young players. Hard to get excited about the future while that's true, at least for me.

Word.

 

[PANARIN BREAD FAN]

ranger fan from the east coast distant second, hockey fan mainly first here.

i've been watching quite a few ducks games sine last season. i like the way the roster is constructed. all 4 lines potentially are a threat. there's speed and some grit. decent goalie. defense is an issue. but damn-all this talent-looks like it's being wasted.

there's a coach out there that's available. he's been out of the league for a year. maybe he's recharged and possibly may want to be a head coach again. he's a guy i wish the rangers would take back but that appears unlikely. however he could be a real good fit for your team - alain vigneault. some of you might say hell no. but just check out his past credentials - they're not too shabby.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

I dunno, it's been a weird season. I'm happy they've improved and you can see a core coming together. It isn't fair to not credit Cronin for that because at least you can say he didn't prevent it from happening. But I believe 100% that he'll be back next year and also 100% that he's a bad coach and is probably detrimental to the success of at least some of our best young players. Hard to get excited about the future while that's true, at least for me.

If Verbeek was happy with last year's results of being one point better in the standings with a vastly improved roster, then it is more obvious to acknowledge Cronin is 100% returning as head coach for this team next season.

It's essentially the same season as last year with the exception of vastly improved goaltending and greatly reduced penalties. Last year, we had four players that have played 10 games or more with 50.0% or higher CF% (possession difference, where 50% is even and higher than 50% means more shots for the team). This year, we currently have only one player on the team with 50.0% or higher CF% in Killorn at 50.4%. This proves we don't have a great roster nor a coach that can elevate the team's play despite the mass upgrade in defense for the past two seasons. And because we have only one player with over 50% CF%, then that means the team is getting shelled regularly and our goalies need far more love.

Let's look at our youth skaters progress. We have one standout in LaCombe. Gauthier had a good. rookie season that was similar to Mac's rookie season where he scored 43 points in 80 games, but Mac was on a worse roster. The only youth tilting the ice this season is LaCombe (CF% > OZ Start%). Our youths aren't great offensively nor defensively for the past two seasons under Cronin.

Zegras was a 61 point, 23 goal scorer in his official rookie season and repeated the performance the following season with 67 points and 23 goals. We need a coach that can elevate the youth's game much faster because the veteran acquisitions are not doing enough to carry the team.

 

[Rybread86]

Strome has the most FO attempts on the team. And he sucks across the board. Aside from Harkins, the PK unit gets run roughshod. We could use some true 4C, PK specialist. Also, there has got to be a way we send Mac to NHL FO officials for a week in the summer to know "how not to get kicked out of the FO circle".

I think I know why Cronin puts out the 4th line out there after a TV timeout, Lundy and Harkins have the best Even Strength FOW% (EV FOW%). Excluding Mac, everyone else is abysmal.

If we're set at top-9C's with Strome, Carlsson, and Mac, then we need a winger who is very good at FO's. Personally, I'd rather boot Strome to wing and find a middle-6C who can win FO's.

View attachment 1011879

Man I miss Vermette

 

[Big Fat Rebound]

Not being able to beat your former AHL players, at home, on fan appreciation night, when they played yesterday afternoon (actually blowing a 2-0 lead with 10 minutes to go) should be the nail in the coffin. It WON'T be but it SHOULD be

 

[CrazyDuck4u]

Man I miss Vermette

I miss f***ing pahlsson. I thought Lundy would be that. But Lundy is a useless player

 

[Hey234]

Not being able to beat your former AHL players, at home, on fan appreciation night, when they played yesterday afternoon (actually blowing a 2-0 lead with 10 minutes to go) should be the nail in the coffin. It WONT be but it SHOULD be

It's so many confusing decisions. Why move Zegras when he's developing chemistry with McTavish? Why put him with Strome whose a black hole offensively right now, and who has stopped playing hard? Why 5 forwards on the PP? The defenseman on this team have been scoring recently so it would make sense to utilize that.

 

[Son of Gib]

It's so many confusing decisions. Why move Zegras when he's developing chemistry with McTavish? Why put him with Strome whose a black hole offensively right now, and who has stopped playing hard? Why 5 forwards on the PP? The defenseman on this team have been scoring recently so it would make sense to utilize that.

My mom, who cares a moderate amount about hockey, casually pointed out all of these things tonight, and more. Some decisions just are really not hard.

 

[Smirnov2Chistov]

Wanting Cronin gone is fine, questioning Verbeek’s competency as a GM is in my opinion, pretty wild. Besides your hatred of his coach pick. Why does he suck as a gm.

I've never really been all that confident with Verbeek.

He's a 'rookie' GM that hired a rookie coach that has arguably looked worse than Eakins in most instances with a better roster. For him to say he expects competing for the playoffs - (when most of the roster is set up with what he put together and they aren't getting the results) perhaps it's a sign that what your doing isn't working. Him standing behind Cronin and apparently liking what he sees is pretty shocking.

Sure, he tried to swing for the fences and get Stamkos and Marchessault. Yet, there were other players out there that could've been an improvement to the middle-six that he could've made a move on (Bertuzzi? Teravainen?) but there were crickets.

I do think he's been slowly improving on his trades and what he's getting as a return. Drafting is still tough to gauge where he and the staff are at.

 

[Mr Rogers]

I don't think we're winning either tomorrow or Wednesday actually. I don't think the Ducks have played a single good game in the entire month of April, outside of some great individual performances. It's been a very uninspiring finish to the year.

I do think Cronin comes back but it's not a given. If you consider Pat's expectations - challenging for playoffs/playing meaningful games at the end - I feel like we fall short on both. The fact that he apparently considered parting with Cro last offseason definitely makes me think it's more likely than if he hadn't done that. I still think it's a long shot.

 

[TheDarkWingThatDucks]

I've never really been all that confident with Verbeek.

He's a 'rookie' GM that hired a rookie coach that has arguably looked worse than Eakins in most instances with a better roster. For him to say he expects competing for the playoffs - (when most of the roster is set up with what he put together and they aren't getting the results) perhaps it's a sign that what your doing isn't working. Him standing behind Cronin and apparently liking what he sees is pretty shocking.

Sure, he tried to swing for the fences and get Stamkos and Marchessault. Yet, there were other players out there that could've been an improvement to the middle-six that he could've made a move on (Bertuzzi? Teravainen?) but there were crickets.

I do think he's been slowly improving on his trades and what he's getting as a return. Drafting is still tough to gauge where he and the staff are at.

You call him a rookie GM as a reason you lack confidence in him.

But he also help build the roster as the Assistant GM to the Tampa Bay Lightning dynasty, was there when they hired a rookie head coach in Cooper and that seemed to work out well for that franchise.

he’s been a part of building a championship roster and culture, I would have more faith in hiring him as a rookie GM. Than let’s say Kyle Dubas who is now with his 2nd team… has never been a part of building a championship team / culture.

no human is perfect, he’s spelt out his plan pretty clearly. First was to acquire as many draft picks as possible to build organizational depth. I don’t think Cronin is a great coach, but he was brought in to help build a culture. We have one more year (unless we start bad or the future coach Verbeek envisions is ready… cause I think his plan is Matt McIlvane, or available.

In terms of FA signings, since Covid we’ve had a flat cap, last year was the first year in like 4 where every team had some money. Very tough to “overpay” players when almost 26 other teams can match / outbid you, offer a chance to win “like Nashville hahaha”.

I just think your hatred of Cronin makes you dislike Verbeek. When once again, hire Jon cooper 2 years ago and we still aren’t a playoff team, especially if we aren’t using Leo / Cutter on the PK…. Which I believe is a Verbeek decision as he doesn’t want to rush prospects. And since he is using the NHL as his developmental league for top prospects of ours, well he is going to baby them to not over exert them. Which makes sense to me. Cutter scored 20 goals with a shit coach / as a rookie / playing 14:06 minutes a night.

As much as you hate Cronin, that isn’t because Cronin is some hockey terrorist who can’t see how good cutter is….. it’s because his boss probably has explicitly told him what he wants the rookies work load to be.

Trades he has been fine the whole time, trade a 4th for Ilya, get a 3rd in return. That’s just solid asset management. We will see how good he is at trades sooner than later as we move from dumping UFA’s for picks / taking on money for picks …. Into acquiring talent to improve team and win.

And the draft is 100% going to make or break this GM. I happen to have faith in Minty / Leo / Cutter (I’ll count it as a “draft” trade) / Sennecke…. Plus some 2nd-4th round picks that may pop.

He went full scorched earth and embraced the true rebuild. And I thank him for that but we are still 2-3 years from hitting our starting to contend window. The next 2-3 years should be fighting for playoffs and it should be fun to be scrappy and young. Cronin will be gone soon, and won’t be able to hurt you anymore, so that will be good.

We are close just a few more years of patience and I promise you, I truly believe you will be rewarded.

 

[HanSolo]

5v5 Offense

Expected goals for percentage
2025: 48.73 (30th)
2024: 46.77 (26th)

Though there was a slight statistical improvement, Montreal, Detroit, and St. Louis improved more.

Shot attempts % (Corsi)
2025: 45.88 (30th)
2024: 46.39 (27th)

Worse than last year.

Goals for per 60
2025: 2.35 (17th)
2024: 1.97 (30th)

PDO
2025: 100.83 (9th)
2024: 98.56 (27th)

The Ducks had a late spike offensively which juiced the goals for per game number where most of the season they were near the bottom. But that happened with a huge spike in our PDO number which meant our shooting percentage was well above the mean.

Shots on goal raw total (still haven't reached end of season)
2025: 1720 (24th)
2024: 1667 (32nd)

Minor improvement.

High Danger Shots for
2025: 157 (23rd)
2024: 150 (26th)

Minor improvement

Medium danger shots for
2025: 420 (30th)
2024: 394 (31st)

Minor improvement. Will increase with two more games to go, but we're unlikely to be ranked much higher than 29th-30th at season's end.

Overall conclusion: 5 on 5 offense saw some improvement in shot volume and raw goals. But this comes off the back of our PDO skyrocketing in the last third of the season and our having a less injured lineup. Most of the improvements came post Four Nations, where most of the season we were at or near the bottom in actual raw goals scored. Late improvement is encouraging all the same but considering the emphasis on improving defensively possibly limited offensive growth and improvement, the defensive metrics below paint a grave picture.

5 on 4 powerplay

Expected goals %
2025: 87.04% (28th)
2024: 85.96% (23rd)

Again, a small statistical improvement but other teams improved more.

Goals for
2025: 23 (32nd)
2024: 38 (27th)

So, unless this team scores 15 powerplay goals in the last two games, this year was much worse in terms of offense on the powerplay in spite of being healthier and with more experienced players.

Shots on goal for
2025: 288 (15th)
2024: 289 (31st)

Since there's 2 games to go we'll probably pass the shots on goal count from last year but this isn't a significant improvement but the fact that we shot the puck almost as much last year with far more PP goals indicates that the structure and strategy with the extra man is far worse.

Unblocked shot attempts for
2025: 450 (11th)
2024: 404 (31st)

Again not a statistically significant improvement but the reality is they're just not scoring enough on the powerplay which means Cronin and Clune are telling them to shoot more but the structure and strategy isn't doing enough to move the defense and goalie enough to create breakdowns and shot openings to convert on. Peppering the goalie with shots to the body isn't going to lead to more goals.

Powerplay faceoff percentage
2025: 43.44% (32nd)
2024: 49.23‰ (29th)

Obvious decline.


Overall conclusion: we have the worst powerplay in the league and it's gotten worse under Clune.

All Situations offense

Raw goals for
2025: 214 (28th)
2024: 203 (30th)

Goals per game
2025: 2.68 (29th)
2024: 2.57 (30th)

SOG/game
2025: 27.6% (21st)
2024: 26.8 (29th)

The Ducks can get anywhere between 0 and 12 more goals the last two games. This is not, as a whole, a significant statistical improvement. The big difference is the powerplay was better last year while we scored more 5 on 5 this year, albeit with a much higher PDO. Considering how many more man games we had with fewer injuries, we really should have produced more offense overall, but we didn't.

Faceoff percentage
2025: 44.5% (32nd)
2024: 46.7% (29th)

The other stats are useless because it lumps in powerplay metrics so the above is the overall conclusion. This team barely scored more goals than last year despite being healthier and following Cronin' genius all encompassing mantra of just shoot more.

Defense 5 on 5

Expected goals against per 60 5 on 5
2025: 2.89 (32nd)
2024: 2.54 (19th)

All situations
2025: 3.54 (32nd)
2024: 3.4 (30th)

Dramatic decline (especially 5 on 5) that contemplates shots against volume, quality of chances against, and shots attempted against. Like our 5 on 5 defense didn't just get worse from last year in spite of injuries, it's much much worse. And this coming from a guy who said defense was the priority this year.

Shots on goal against raw count 5on5
2025: 1993 (31st)
2024: 1920 (17th)

All situations
2025: 2564 (32nd)
2024: 2666 (27th)

Again, huge decline in shot suppression performance 5 on 5 in spite of being injury riddled last year. The PK was worse last year so after two more games we might see a lower raw total but not by a statistically significant difference. We're still the runaway worst shot suppression team in the league.

Unblocked shots attempted against 5 on 5
2025: 3094 (32nd)
2024: 2791 (18th)

All situations
2025: 3916 (32nd)
2024: 3858 (28th)

Again, two games to go, number will get higher. Doesn't account for a poor PK.

High danger shots against 5 on 5
2025: 186 (26th)
2024: 144 (3rd)

All situations
2025: 327 (31st)
2024: 291 (16th)

At the midway point of the season we were second to last on this stat so there was some improvement with some collapse from other teams. But we went from one of the best teams in the league at suppressing high danger shots (5on5) to one of the worst. Huge decline. Still two games to go.

Medium danger shots against 5 on 5
2025: 567 (32nd)
2024: 513 (26th)

All situations
2025: 729: (32nd)
2024: 759 (30th)

Self explanatory. We will probably tie or exceed last year's count with two games to go

Penalty killing raw percentage
2025: 73.6% (28th)
2024: 72.4% (31st)

Minor improvement but still bad.

Penalty minutes taken per 60
2025: 8.87 (22nd)
2024: 12.64 (32nd)

Times shorthanded
2025: 242 (30th) 3.03 TSh/gp
2024: 330 (32nd) 4.02 TSh/gp

There you go, a noticeable non goalie improvement. The team was more disciplined this year.

Overall conclusion: the team is measurably worse defensively compared to last year which is extremely grave considering Verbeek and Cronin emphasized that this year's focus was on defensive improvement while generally implying that offensive development wouldn't be a big focus and also because we had a much higher number of significant and lengthy injuries. Also, last year's team was short handed a lot more often and they still ended up surrendering more shots and chances this season. I don't think it's a stretch to say that Anaheim had the worst defense in the league this year. Leading the league in expected goals against per 60 certainly backs that up.

Goaltending

Goals against above expected (Aggregate goals saved above expected rating) 5 on 5
2025: -28.54 (2nd)
2024: +9.39 (23rd)

All situations
2025: -33.4 (4th)
2024: +11.31 (26th)

There isn't much significant difference between our goalies' play 5 on 5 vs all situations but it shows our goalies were better in special teams situation this year and worse last year. This is the most important marker. Last season our goalies really weren't bailing us out much at all. This year we can credit our goalies from preventing between 27-34 goals against more than expected for the offensive deluge they faced. So in simple terms, they had a higher workload than the majority of the league and still ended up saving way more goals above expected than most. Considering how many one goal games we won and lost in OT, I think you can statistically point to the majority of the point difference in the standings (19 points) to the goalies and their coaches.

Save percentage on SOG (5on5)
2025: 91.87% (8th)
2024: 90.94% (23rd)

All situations
2025: 90.02% (9th)
2024: 89.01% (28th)

Less impressive relative to the rest of the league but you have to keep in mind that Anaheim's goalies faced far more shots than most of the top 10 teams in save percentage and in any case, our goalies clearly improved significantly relative to last season. These numbers are also skewed by the fact that Gibson got injured and Dostal has clearly been burned out the past month. The past 20 games the team's save percentage is 88.54% which is 18th leaguewide.

This is such a boring and unsupported claim at this point.



So the quick sum of that data, since I doubt you'll read it is:

Anaheim was healthier, took fewer penalties, and shot the puck more. Despite that they still barely scored more goals this year compared to last year. Even if they blow out their next two opponents, the difference will be insignificant. The offense 5 on 5 was better this season but that is largely caused by a post Four Nations surge that is marked by a top third PDO rating. For most of the season they were near the bottom in total goals scored.

We have the worst powerplay in the league. One of the worst penalty kills in the league, and arguably the worst defensive performance in the league including being the worst faceoff team in the league. In virtually every defensive metric we were worse than last year.

The most notable improvement was the goals saved above expected aggregate by our goalies where last year out goalies statistically let in 11 more goals than expected while this year they prevented 33 more than expected while seeing a huge improvement in save percentage. And that's with the averages skewed by Dostal flaming out playing more games with Gibson out and the Ducks allowing more shots through to Dostal than the rest of the league.

The Ducks have won 16 one goal games and lost 8 games in OT or shootout. Not considering 2 goal wins that the goalies stood on their heads to balance out the one goal wins the goalies didn't play that well, that's between, being generous, 24-36 points gained in close games that you can credit the goalies for playing well above average, arguably elite against a barrage of shots allowed by the undisputed worst shot suppression team in the league.

The difference in standings points between this year and last year is 19 points with, at most an additional four to bring it to 23.

If you want to blindly look at raw standings improvement without considering the underlying issues, more power to you. I hope Verbeek's pride doesn't give him the same mentality. The reality of the "improvement" is the team was healthier and they got top class goaltending. In all other respects they either got worse, barely improved, or didn't improve at all.

Just wanted to add one point to this from the GDT. The Ducks are worse at suppressing shots this year than last year. Pretty grave considering we had much fewer injuries this year and the plan for the season was to improve defensively. It's bad enough for those reasons alone. It's comical if you remember that Cronin stopped coaching and let the players coach themselves for the last 20 games of the season last year. That's a quarter of the season and statistically significant enough to say the team performed better with a quarter of the season being almost entirely uncoached than they were with a full season of Cronin's coaching.

 

[Smirnov2Chistov]

You call him a rookie GM as a reason you lack confidence in him.

But he also help build the roster as the Assistant GM to the Tampa Bay Lightning dynasty, was there when they hired a rookie head coach in Cooper and that seemed to work out well for that franchise.

he’s been a part of building a championship roster and culture, I would have more faith in hiring him as a rookie GM. Than let’s say Kyle Dubas who is now with his 2nd team… has never been a part of building a championship team / culture.

no human is perfect, he’s spelt out his plan pretty clearly. First was to acquire as many draft picks as possible to build organizational depth. I don’t think Cronin is a great coach, but he was brought in to help build a culture. We have one more year (unless we start bad or the future coach Verbeek envisions is ready… cause I think his plan is Matt McIlvane, or available.

In terms of FA signings, since Covid we’ve had a flat cap, last year was the first year in like 4 where every team had some money. Very tough to “overpay” players when almost 26 other teams can match / outbid you, offer a chance to win “like Nashville hahaha”.

I just think your hatred of Cronin makes you dislike Verbeek. When once again, hire Jon cooper 2 years ago and we still aren’t a playoff team, especially if we aren’t using Leo / Cutter on the PK…. Which I believe is a Verbeek decision as he doesn’t want to rush prospects. And since he is using the NHL as his developmental league for top prospects of ours, well he is going to baby them to not over exert them. Which makes sense to me. Cutter scored 20 goals with a shit coach / as a rookie / playing 14:06 minutes a night.

As much as you hate Cronin, that isn’t because Cronin is some hockey terrorist who can’t see how good cutter is….. it’s because his boss probably has explicitly told him what he wants the rookies work load to be.

Trades he has been fine the whole time, trade a 4th for Ilya, get a 3rd in return. That’s just solid asset management. We will see how good he is at trades sooner than later as we move from dumping UFA’s for picks / taking on money for picks …. Into acquiring talent to improve team and win.

And the draft is 100% going to make or break this GM. I happen to have faith in Minty / Leo / Cutter (I’ll count it as a “draft” trade) / Sennecke…. Plus some 2nd-4th round picks that may pop.

He went full scorched earth and embraced the true rebuild. And I thank him for that but we are still 2-3 years from hitting our starting to contend window. The next 2-3 years should be fighting for playoffs and it should be fun to be scrappy and young. Cronin will be gone soon, and won’t be able to hurt you anymore, so that will be good.

We are close just a few more years of patience and I promise you, I truly believe you will be rewarded.

I'm sorry, but what culture has this organization been apart of in recent memory? Even with a new coach, they are still a losing one who show next to no accountability. The product on and off the ice is abysmal at times

I wouldn't hate Cronin if he could show me that he is learning from his mistakes by getting these players to 'finally' buy into his system that has been in place for an upcoming three seasons now. The 'throwing out the fourth line' in some scenarios and his non-answers show me he has no idea what hes doing.

If you have Jon Cooper coach this team, there would be a completely different dynamic and understanding as to what is going on. He actually knows how to get his players going. There would be actual growth with our players and prospects, instead of the plateaued development we've been seeing.

 

[HanSolo]

I'm sorry, but what culture has this organization been apart of in recent memory? Even with a new coach, they are still a losing one who show next to no accountability. The product on and off the ice is abysmal at times

I wouldn't hate Cronin if he could show me that he is learning from his mistakes by getting these players to 'finally' buy into his system that has been in place for an upcoming three seasons now. The 'throwing out the fourth line' in some scenarios and his non-answers show me he has no idea what hes doing.

If you have Jon Cooper coach this team, there would be a completely different dynamic and understanding as to what is going on. He actually knows how to get his players going. There would be actual growth with our players and prospects, instead of the plateaued development we've been seeing.

The vets being this checked out and Mac trying to softball the loss to half an AHL team as though it's not an embarrassing result at least points to there still being a culture of losing and a lack of pride. There seems to be more camaraderie in the room but it's not translating where it counts.

 

[ohcomeonref]

The vets being this checked out and Mac trying to softball the loss to half an AHL team as though it's not an embarrassing result at least points to there still being a culture of losing and a lack of pride. There seems to be more camaraderie in the room but it's not translating where it counts.

I've worked at places where people are buddies and everyone is pushing to make the place succeed together. I've also worked in places where everyone is buddies and happy to slack off and milk the place for as much as it's worth together. The vets seem to be in the latter category.

 

[Unholy]

Someone needs to call in a favor and see if Kesler or Vermette can come and do some faceoff programs or something this offseason/camp cause ick

 

[TheDarkWingThatDucks]

I'm sorry, but what culture has this organization been apart of in recent memory? Even with a new coach, they are still a losing one who show next to no accountability. The product on and off the ice is abysmal at times

I wouldn't hate Cronin if he could show me that he is learning from his mistakes by getting these players to 'finally' buy into his system that has been in place for an upcoming three seasons now. The 'throwing out the fourth line' in some scenarios and his non-answers show me he has no idea what hes doing.

If you have Jon Cooper coach this team, there would be a completely different dynamic and understanding as to what is going on. He actually knows how to get his players going. There would be actual growth with our players and prospects, instead of the plateaued development we've been seeing.

I am far to lazy to look up all the times Verbeek has mentioned Cronin and culture but good AI came up with this.

Pat Verbeek, as the General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks, emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining a strong team culture. He highlights the need for consistent messaging, accountability, and a shared mindset across all levels of the organization. Verbeek's focus on developing a positive and supportive environment is crucial for player development and team success.

Here's a more detailed look at Verbeek's perspective on culture:

• Consistent Messaging and Accountability:
  Verbeek believes in ensuring that everyone in the organization, from players to coaches to staff, is thinking and operating in the same way, emphasizing the need for accountability and a strong work ethic.
  
  
• Building Blocks for a Good Culture:
  Verbeek acknowledges that building a strong culture is a process that requires constant effort and attention to detail. He focuses on putting building blocks in place that foster positive relationships and a shared vision.
  
  
• Player Development and Buy-in:
  Verbeek is optimistic about the future of the Ducks, highlighting the positive development of young players and the growing "buy-in" from the entire team.
  
  
• Importance of a Strong Relationship with the Head Coach:
  Verbeek emphasizes the importance of building a strong working relationship with the head coach, Dallas Eakins, as a key factor in fostering a positive team culture.
  
  
  
• Positive Fan Support:
  Verbeek acknowledges the crucial role of fan support in creating a positive environment for the players and fostering a winning atmosphere.
• 
  
• 
  
  
  
• …. Now me, so the funny thing is the one thing he asks from the fans…. Which is support in creating and fostering a winning atmosphere you seem incapable of being a willing participant. I do not think Cronin is a great hockey coach, he was brought in to build a culture of accountability and hard work. If he is doing his job, then he probably won’t be fired, if he isn’t doing his job he will be fired. In a most likely scenario, he will return as head coach. We play well enough throughout the entire season he doesn’t get fired mid season and we don’t extend or renew his contract at the end of the year. Matt McIlvane probably takes over as HC, or he hires the coach to take the next step as an organization. We literally just gutted the whole organization within the last 2-3 years.
  Those awful scary vets, are on their way out, besides Vats, no one has more than 2 years left on their deal. And Vats is a perfectly competent third liner. We have great cap space, great flexibility…. A pipeline full of talented players, if we get lucky and jump to 1-2 then we get Misa or Schaeffer that significantly speeds up the rebuild. Throwing both
  
  
  
  

I'm sorry, but what culture has this organization been apart of in recent memory? Even with a new coach, they are still a losing one who show next to no accountability. The product on and off the ice is abysmal at times

I wouldn't hate Cronin if he could show me that he is learning from his mistakes by getting these players to 'finally' buy into his system that has been in place for an upcoming three seasons now. The 'throwing out the fourth line' in some scenarios and his non-answers show me he has no idea what hes doing.

If you have Jon Cooper coach this team, there would be a completely different dynamic and understanding as to what is going on. He actually knows how to get his players going. There would be actual growth with our players and prospects, instead of the plateaued development we've been seeing.

I also think you’re confusing building a culture w/ having built a culture.

Some vets suck, some young players don’t buy in, some vets rule, some young players do buy in. Killorn as much hate as he gets for on the ice performance, which I think is over the top at times. Seems to actually be a great role model for how to be a professional athlete day in and day out. If he helps Leo and Cutter speed up their maturity and or lengthen their careers with work ethic off ice. Then he will be worth every single f***ing penny we gave him.

 

[Firequacker]

I am far to lazy to look up all the times Verbeek has mentioned Cronin and culture but good AI came up with this.

Pat Verbeek, as the General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks, emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining a strong team culture. He highlights the need for consistent messaging, accountability, and a shared mindset across all levels of the organization. Verbeek's focus on developing a positive and supportive environment is crucial for player development and team success.

Here's a more detailed look at Verbeek's perspective on culture:

• Consistent Messaging and Accountability:
  Verbeek believes in ensuring that everyone in the organization, from players to coaches to staff, is thinking and operating in the same way, emphasizing the need for accountability and a strong work ethic.
  
  
• Building Blocks for a Good Culture:
  Verbeek acknowledges that building a strong culture is a process that requires constant effort and attention to detail. He focuses on putting building blocks in place that foster positive relationships and a shared vision.
  
  
• Player Development and Buy-in:
  Verbeek is optimistic about the future of the Ducks, highlighting the positive development of young players and the growing "buy-in" from the entire team.
  
  
• Importance of a Strong Relationship with the Head Coach:
  Verbeek emphasizes the importance of building a strong working relationship with the head coach, Dallas Eakins, as a key factor in fostering a positive team culture.
  
  
  
• Positive Fan Support:
  Verbeek acknowledges the crucial role of fan support in creating a positive environment for the players and fostering a winning atmosphere.
• 
  
• 
  
  
  
• …. Now me, so the funny thing is the one thing he asks from the fans…. Which is support in creating and fostering a winning atmosphere you seem incapable of being a willing participant. I do not think Cronin is a great hockey coach, he was brought in to build a culture of accountability and hard work. If he is doing his job, then he probably won’t be fired, if he isn’t doing his job he will be fired. In a most likely scenario, he will return as head coach. We play well enough throughout the entire season he doesn’t get fired mid season and we don’t extend or renew his contract at the end of the year. Matt McIlvane probably takes over as HC, or he hires the coach to take the next step as an organization. We literally just gutted the whole organization within the last 2-3 years.
  Those awful scary vets, are on their way out, besides Vats, no one has more than 2 years left on their deal. And Vats is a perfectly competent third liner. We have great cap space, great flexibility…. A pipeline full of talented players, if we get lucky and jump to 1-2 then we get Misa or Schaeffer that significantly speeds up the rebuild. Throwing both
  
  
  

I also think you’re confusing building a culture w/ having built a culture.

Some vets suck, some young players don’t buy in, some vets rule, some young players do buy in. Killorn as much hate as he gets for on the ice performance, which I think is over the top at times. Seems to actually be a great role model for how to be a professional athlete day in and day out. If he helps Leo and Cutter speed up their maturity and or lengthen their careers with work ethic off ice. Then he will be worth every single f***ing penny we gave him.

Your AI still thinks Dallas Eakins is the coach. Come on, man.

Beyond that, this is all just yet another wall of unfalsifiable copium. Verbeek can talk all he wants about culture. He can talk about the importance of accountability and work ethic and playing the right way. He can talk and talk about how he thinks Cronin is doing a great job at instilling those things. Talk is cheap.

Meanwhile, last night was game 162 under Cronin and they blew a two goal lead to the Colorado Eagles.

 

[Hey234]

The Hockey PDO podcast spoke about the Ducks around 25-33min into the episode. I really respect their opinions and find they have pretty nuanced takes on teams They basically repeated what many have said here:

Individual players have lots of talent and have grown. The way the team plays is incorrect and in some cases might be hindering development and growth. They are overplaying veterans and putting young players in positions not to succeed. Essentially, they feel that coaching is by far the reason the Ducks are not more successful, and it needs to be fixed.

*Edit: fat thumbed it and posted too early