Ducks GM Pat Verbeek fires back at critics of rookie Trevor Zegras

TAMPA, Fla. — Pat Verbeek was as old-school as a player could be while he played 1,424 games in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers, New York Rangers, Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings. His “Little Ball of Hate” nickname was well-earned between 1992 and 2002.

Times change, though.

Verbeek is no longer a fiery player, but is in his first months as the general manager of the Ducks. He maintains old-school philosophies when it comes to hard work, accountability and standing up for one’s self and one’s teammates. He’s also adapted to the times, to changes in the game, to new styles of play.

That’s why Verbeek felt compelled to defend rookie center Trevor Zegras against what he believed to be unwarranted criticism. Verbeek didn’t name names, but he could very well have been speaking about Arizona Coyotes TV analyst Tyson Nash, who continues to rip Zegras.

Nash didn’t like Zegras’ lacrosse style goal during the Ducks’ 5-0 victory April 1 over the Coyotes in Glendale, Arizona. Nash didn’t like the way Zegras played to the crowd, which included a number of Ducks fans, after scoring. Nash didn’t like the way Zegras tried poking home a rebound late in the game.

Zegras’ final attempt to score, with the game well in hand late in the final period, ignited a fracas that featured Arizona’s Jay Beagle cross-checking Zegras in the back and then pummeling a defenseless Troy Terry. On the air, Nash applauded Beagle’s actions, blaming Zegras for trying to “skill it up.”

Beagle was ejected from the game, but not fined or suspended by the NHL for his actions.

Nash hasn’t let up in his critical comments, which led Verbeek to defend Zegras during a conversation with Ducks beat reporters Tuesday in Sunrise, Fla.

“When I watch Trevor, this is just another unreal skill set and a creative way to score goals,” Verbeek said of the lacrosse-style plays. “What I’m trying to do is I’m trying to stick up for my player in the sense that there are people who think this is hot dogging or not respecting the game.

“I’ve talked to Trevor about this. I said, ‘Trevor, I scored a few goals in this league. There’s no way I could ever score a goal like that.’ I’ve come to respect it. When Trevor and I have talked about the game, he understands. He respects the game and he respects the traditions of the game.

“For me, this is just another way for him to show his creativity and, at the end of the day, unreal hands and skills.  I kind of want to really stick up for my player in that sense. I want other people not to resent that type of goal. You shouldn’t resent it in the sense that you’re getting embarrassed.”

Verbeek said he understands where the sentiment comes from, but he also believes it’s well past time to change those views and accept the fact that the skills displayed by a new generation of players are different from those of past players. It’s dated and tiring. Old school is just old.

“If you did that in my era, it’s frowned upon,” he said. “I think there’s still a little bit of that mentality out there. (But) I think people light up when you watch (Edmonton’s Connor) McDavid run through and totally undress players with speed through the neutral zone. People love that. I love watching that.”

SKILL IT UP (PART 2)

Zegras is two points shy of Bobby Ryan’s franchise rookie record of 57 points set in 2008-09. Zegras has 55 points in 68 games, including 20 goals, going into Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ryan set Ducks rookie records with 31 goals and 57 points in 64 games.

BURNETT DIES

Garrett Burnett, an enforcer who played 39 games with the Ducks during the 2003-04 season, died earlier this week, according to the team. No cause of death was given. He was 46. He had one goal and two assists and 184 penalty minutes in his NHL career, all with the Ducks.