from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- Pat Verbeek is definitely a finalist in Anaheim. If the Ducks do go external, which appears to be the case, I don’t think it automatically means massive internal turnover. Word is at least some candidates were asked about keeping current executives who the organization feels do a good job.

Whoever gets the job with the Ducks, the biggest pre-deadline decision is Hampus Lindholm’s future. At some point, Anaheim considered paying a little more for less term, but I’m not sure how far that went before the GM change. I don’t believe the Ducks, even if in a playoff position, can afford to keep Lindholm post-deadline unless they know he’s staying.

After mentioning Toronto’s interest on Josh Manson, one exec joked “the Leafs have been interested in him since Punch Imlach was GM.” Anaheim will have many options here, including keeping him.

- Chris Kreider hit the All-Star break with 33 goals in 47 games, on-pace for 58. He’ll be 31 on April 30, which puts him into rarefied air if he does get to 50. Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bucyk is the oldest player to reach that milestone for the first time — 51 for Boston in 1970-71, when he was 35. Another Hall-of-Famer, Joe Mullen, is second. He turned 32 in February 1989, en route to 51 goals. By my math, Kreider would be next.

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