Ice Breakers: Verbeek the leading GM candidate in Anaheim, Doug Wilson’s health & Olympic players to watch

During the Ice Breakers segment on Tuesday’s episode of The Daily Faceoff Show, Frank Seravalli reported on a variety of pressing topics.

Anaheim Ducks & Chicago Blackhawks GM Searches

Seravalli: “Things are really heating up with the Anaheim Ducks and their GM search. I believe that the man to beat, the guy that’s the favorite at this point is Pat Verbeek, the assistant general manager of the Detroit Red Wings.

“He’s been Steve Yzerman’s right-hand man for the last number of years, dating back to his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, helping put in place that roster that went on to win back-to-back Stanley Cups. Pat Verbeek, having his second interview with the Anaheim Ducks and their search committee on Sunday.

“There’s one other mystery finalists that’s in the mix that interviewed on Monday evening. All signs point to this moving pretty rapidly. The Anaheim Ducks could have a decision made and negotiated out a contract with the winner in the next number of days.

“Then you look at the Chicago Blackhawks. They have begun interviews this week. The team announcing yesterday that three former Hawks players are going to be part of the search committee.

“You’re going to have, in this case, Eddie Olcyzk as well as Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp.”

Sharks GM Doug Wilson’s health-related leave of absence

Seravalli: “Not much of an update, in terms of Doug Wilson and his health. I think people were hoping – and certainly around the Sharks organization – that this would just be a temporary leave of absence. That Doug Wilson could gather up some strength and be back in the chair in short order.

“We’re now more than two months since that announcement was made back on Nov. 26. At this point, Joe Will, their assistant general manager, is still overseeing day-to-day operations of the team. He’s in communication with Doug Wilson on the regular.

“I think there are some question marks in terms of how the Sharks will proceed as it gets closer to the March 21 trade deadline. But at this point, no change, Joe Will continues to run the Sharks.”

Undrafted players in the Olympics who NHL teams are scouting

Seravalli: “It’s going to be really interesting for three undrafted free agents.

“One that certainly rises to the top of this list will be Strauss Mann, the expected starter for Team USA. He has been lights out in Skelleftea (Sweden) this season. 23-years-old, .920 save percentage. Teams are always looking for goalies. He had a couple of really, really good years at the University of Michigan as well.

“Ben Meyers, the captain, 23, at the University of Minnesota. He’s been a point-per-game player this year for the Gophers.

“And Marc McLaughlin, is the other one. The captain at Boston College. He’s 22, so a year younger than both Mann and Myers. He’s got 18 goals in 25 games for the Eagles this season.”

You can watch the full episode of The Daily Faceoff Show here…