Steve Yzerman has made his first big move as the general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, bringing in Pat Verbeek as assistant general manager. The duo worked together for nine years in Tampa Bay’s front office.
Per the team’s press release, Verbeek joins fellow Red Wings AGM Ryan Martin, who will continue his role as general manager of the club’s AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids while Verbeek will focus on player personnel decisions.
Verbeek, who spent two seasons in Detroit at the end of his playing career, served as a professional scout for the Red Wings for four years before joining the Tampa Bay Lightning‘s front office following Yzerman’s hiring there. He was soon promoted to AGM and director of player personnel in Tampa Bay, working closely with Yzerman to turn the Lightning into a perennial contender.
The news follows reports of Ken Holland’s departure from Detroit as the longtime Red Wings GM, who shifted to senior vice-president to allow for the hiring of Yzerman as GM, is expected to to be named the new GM of the Edmonton Oilers this week.
The Lightning announced that Stacy Roest has been promoted to assistant general manager, filling Verbeek’s position as director of player development and GM of the Syracuse Crunch.
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