The Anaheim Ducks had a disappointing 2023-24 season, finishing near the bottom of the Western Conference. General manager Pat Verbeek has been vocal about improving the team this offseason through any means necessary. Verbeek recently sat down with The Athletic to discuss what the Ducks might do this offseason.

Verbeek previewed how this offseason may feature a very different approach to last year's.

“I think if you look at last year, it was a learning curve not only for our younger players but our older players, just kind of coming in for a different coaching style and accountability standard,” Ducks GM Pat Verbeek told The Athletic, referring to first-year coach Greg Cronin. “I think that was a huge culture shock for the majority of the players. But looking into next season, I think they got through it and now they understand.”

“So I think there’s going to be a different mindset, a different approach and a lot better understanding of what’s expected,” Verbeek added. “So it’ll be different from that aspect. The learning curve is going to be lesser.”

Verbeek also spoke about a few players who the Ducks appear open to trading.

Goaltender John Gibson could be on the move?

LeBrun asked Verbeek about veteran goalie John Gibson. The veteran, who turns 31 next month, has three years left on his contract at an average annual value of $6.4 million.

“John’s still a really good goalie,” Verbeek said. “Obviously there’s a market for goalies out there.”

Verbeek did not comment further on John Gibson.

LeBrun believes that Anaheim still values Gibson and would be perfectly fine keeping him. That said, they should continue to field trade calls if and when they come in.

The Ducks would likely need a strong trade offer to move off of Gibson, as it is not easy to replace a competent goalie.

Trevor Zegras available for the right price?

Trade chatter around Trevor Zegras has resurfaced once more.

LeBrun said that Verbeek did not comment on Zegras, but another league source suggested that the Ducks are listening to offers on him. The source said Anaheim would move him if the right deal came along. They have enough depth to make a Trevor Zegras trade work.

Zegras had arguably his worst season in the NHL this year. He struggled to stay healthy, playing in only 31 games, and looked like a different player on the ice.

Earlier this year, Zegras was repeatedly linked to the Montreal Canadiens as a trade target. Back in April, Zegras shared that he wasn't thrilled about the constant rumors.

“You see it,” Zegras told The Athletic's Eric Stephens. “It’s hard not to see. Definitely sucks. I think you can always control what you can control. When there are certain teams that there are rumors to, obviously it goes in a different direction so to speak.”

Who will the Ducks pick with the third overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft? 

Anaheim holds the third overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The Ducks have a huge need on defense. Therefore, they will likely take the top defenseman on the board.

Based on various mock drafts, Anaheim should have the opportunity to pick either Artyom Levshunov from Michigan State or Anton Silayev from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

If the Chicago Blackhawks are interested in Cayden Lindstrom then Anaheim could have their pick of either player.