Red Wings’ Assistant GM Pat Verbeek Will Also be the Grand Rapids General Manager

Detroit Red Wings assistant GM Pat Verbeek will also add the title of Grand Rapids Griffins’ general manager.

Verbeek takes over the Griffins’ responsibility from Ryan Martin. He left this week to become the New York Rangers’ assistant GM and head of their Hartford farm team.

This is considered a critical role for the Red Wings these days. Verbeek must continually find veterans to serve as role models for top Red Wings prospects moving through Grand Rapids.  One of Martin’s strengths was stocking Grand Rapids with quality players. The team is competitive and has remained competitive. Grand Rapids won two AHL Calder Cup titles under Martin’s tutelage.

“The Griffins are a first-class organization. Grand Rapids is a fantastic market for hockey,” Verbeek said. “Both of those factors are critical in the successful development of prospects in the American Hockey League and the ability to help them get to the next level. I look forward to continuing the winning culture in Grand Rapids and providing prospects every necessary resource to develop as professionals and become impactful players in the NHL.”

Verbeek, 57, is  GM Steve Yzerman’s right-hand man. Yzerman has considerable trust in him. The two also worked together in Tampa.