Quoting: Lenny7
I was ecstatic with the deadline work that Verbeek did, but yeah, this is baffling. I still think that it's just a case of him not wanting to waste a bullet on Eakins when the guy(s) that he wants aren't available yet, but I absolutely do not get the whole "Let's bench Zegras, but ohhhh, Sam Steel just gave the puck away and directly caused a goal against, but we're going to fire him right back out next shift".
Like, Mo Seider is going to win the Calder, and I couldn't give two craps about individual awards, but Zegras is out there sitting 2nd in points per game by a rookie, and he's spent the majority of the season with Derek friggin' Grant.
RANNNNNNT.
Honestly for me, Picking up the option on Eakins undid all the good the deadline did and then some. Overall the Verbeek Era has been more bad than good just from that alone.
Not having the guys you want available is a horrid reason to keep a guy like Eakins around (I know you arent justifying it haha)
The handling of Zegras (and Comtois, Terry last year, Milano, Drysdale, I can go on) is enough of a reason to fire Eakins today and not look back. Verbeek has made me lose all faith in him as our GM by doing that. Thats a decision that will hang on him the rest of his career and now he is part responsible for how Eakins sets his lineups and stunts the growth of our younger players.
I hate to go there but its a Bob Murray-esque move
Zegras has the potential to be the biggest star in the league, both from a marketing and on-ice perspective, He is easily the most valuable piece the Ducks have ever had (Yes Im counting Teemu and Kariya in there)
Eakins and know Verbeek could potentially ruin his confidence and marketability in less than a year.
I wouldnt even be mad if Verbeek follows Eakins out the door at this point
This rant is probably better served elsewhere though haha