Ducks GM Pat Verbeek was at the Bell Centre last night

In general, at every National Hockey League game, no matter which team is playing, there are several scouts on hand in the stands to analyze different players.

These scouts take note of what they’ve observed and report this information back to their respective teams so that they have a better idea of each player analyzed.

There can be few scouts for a match, just as there can be a ton.

Generally speaking, the closer we get to the trade deadline, the more scouts attend the games.

So, even if it doesn’t always mean anything, it’s interesting to note the scouts present at the various games.

It’s even more interesting to note a team’s presence in the stands when it’s assured by the team’s general manager in person.

Indeed, if the GM himself travels to a game, it must be pretty important.

Well, last night, during the Montreal Canadiens’ victory over the New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek was on hand at the Bell Centre.

The Ducks’ GM took advantage of his team’s trip east to come to Montreal for the Habs’ game against the Islanders.

The Ducks are in New York this week, having played the Islanders on Wednesday, the Rangers on Friday and the New Jersey Devils tonight.

The Ducks’ Eastern trip concludes tomorrow night against the Red Wings in Detroit.

In short, the Ducks’ GM accompanied his team east, and took time out himself to analyze and observe the Habs game at the Bell Centre.

Does he have a player in mind for the Habs?

Are Kent Hughes and Pat Verbeek in talks?

That’s all we know at the moment, but it clearly gives us the juice to speculate further on the current rumours.

We know that the Habs are trying to trade a goaltender between Cayden Primeau and Jake Allen, but neither of them was on duty last night, when it was Samuel Montembeault in net.

Perhaps Verbeek came to analyze the play of the Christian Dvoraks and Joel Armias of this world, who would clearly be worth trading if the opportunity arose.

In short, we don’t know much more at the moment, but it’s still interesting to know that a GM came in person to watch a Habs game.

Maybe Verbeek came to see Islanders players play rather than the Habs, but I think it’s more likely that he came to watch the Habs, given that the Ducks played the Islanders on Wednesday.

In a gust

– Happy birthday to former Habs captain!

– Read more.

– Nice words from Erik Karlsson about Kris Letang.

– Wow.

That shot for the SGA win last night pic.twitter.com/WT9vzavdwH

– AlleyOop360 (@AlleyOop360) December 17, 2023

– Really?