Ducks' Jackson LaCombe opening eyes vs. Oilers. Is it the birth of a franchise defenseman?

IRVINE, Calif. — Now that he’s in the general manager’s chair, the Anaheim Ducks’ Pat Verbeek has earned a reputation around the NHL as a tough negotiator. The Athletic recently polled 20 agents who represent hundreds of players across the league, and seven pointed to Verbeek and his assistant, Jeff Solomon, as driving hard bargains in contract talks.Advertisement