DETROIT (WXYZ) — Steve Yzerman has started building out his front office, just a few weeks after being hired as general manager. On Monday, the team announced Yzerman has hired Pat Verbeek to be the assistant general manager, where he will serve alongside current assistant general manager Ryan Martin.
Verbeek will focus on player personnel decisions, while Martin will continue to serve as the GM of the Grand Rapids Griffins.
“I’m very excited to return to the Red Wings,” Verbeek said in a statement. “I want to thank the Ilitch family, Jimmy Devellano, Ken Holland and Steve Yzerman for giving me a start in scouting after my playing career and providing a strong foundation for my managerial career. I’d also like to thank the Tampa Bay Lightning for nine tremendous years. I believe there is an exciting young core here in Detroit, and I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the hockey operations staff to get this team back into contention.”
The 54-year-old has 13 years of experience and began his post-playing career as a scout for the Red Wings, before joining Yzerman in Tampa Bay in 2010. He sered as the director of professional scouting and then was promoted to assistant general manager and director of player personnel. In that role, he was responsible for oversight of the team's pro scouting operations, player recruiting and contract negotiations.
“Pat Verbeek is one of the brightest minds and hardest workers in the game and has been a trusted and valued resource to me throughout my management career,” Yzerman said in a statement. “He played a pivotal role in helping build the Lightning into a Stanley Cup contender throughout his tenure with the organization. I’m very excited to have Pat on board in Detroit and look forward to continuing to work alongside him.”
He also served as the director of player personnel for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and also helped Hockey Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Championship.
Verbeek also played for several teams in his 1,424-game NHL career, including the Red Wings for two seasons, where he had 78 points in Detroit.
