Forward Frank Vatrano Agrees to Three-Year Contract Extension with Anaheim Ducks
Contract Details
Forward Frank Vatrano has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks, keeping him with the team through the 2027-28 season. The deal was announced on Sunday, and Vatrano will receive $3 million in each of the next three seasons, with an additional $9 million in deferred salary starting in 2035.
Career with Anaheim Ducks
Vatrano has been a key player for the Ducks since joining the team in 2022 as a free agent. He has scored the most goals on the roster since his arrival, including a league-leading 37 goals and 60 points last season. General manager Pat Verbeek had declined offers to trade Vatrano to a contender, preferring to keep him as a key part of the team’s rebuild.
Cap Management
The Ducks and Vatrano agreed to a deferred salary structure to keep his cap number low. This will also allow Vatrano to take advantage of tax benefits in 2035, as California’s state income tax is higher than in many other states. Additionally, the team is planning ahead to have salary cap room when its young talent enters free agency and the Ducks push against the cap.
Young Talent
The Ducks have a large group of young players on entry-level contracts, including four top-five draft picks: Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, and Beckett Sennecke. The team also has promising defensemen Olen Zellweger, Pavel Mintyukov, and Jackson LaCombe. Vatrano’s contract extension will help the team manage its salary cap as these players become eligible for free agency.
Career Statistics
Vatrano has 169 goals and 122 assists in 601 career NHL appearances. He began his NHL career with the Boston Bruins and also played for the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers before joining the Ducks.
Conclusion
Frank Vatrano’s contract extension is a significant move for the Anaheim Ducks, solidifying their top-six forward group and providing a sense of stability for the team’s future. With his young talent on the horizon, the Ducks are well-positioned to make a strong push in the coming years.
FAQs
Q: How much will Frank Vatrano earn in the next three seasons?
A: Vatrano will receive $3 million in each of the next three seasons.
Q: What is the deferred salary structure of Vatrano’s contract?
A: Vatrano will receive an additional $9 million in deferred salary starting in 2035.
Q: Why did the Ducks agree to a deferred salary structure?
A: The structure was agreed upon to keep Vatrano’s cap number low and to allow him to take advantage of tax benefits in 2035.
Q: Who are some of the young talent on the Anaheim Ducks’ roster?
A: The team has four top-five draft picks, including Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, and Beckett Sennecke, as well as promising defensemen Olen Zellweger, Pavel Mintyukov, and Jackson LaCombe.
