The Anaheim Ducks have opted to make the Frank Vatrano extension happen. He is having a dominant season for the Ducks, who are 6-4 in the last 10 games. Vatrano will be getting three-year deal worth a total of $18 million. The Ducks will keep a forward with a wicked wrist shot.
Frank Vatrano’s 3-year, $18M extension is an interesting one. He will get paid $3M a year in base salary but then $9M in deferred salary. Starting 10 years from now in 2035, will make $900,000 a year for 10 years, and his plan is to live outside of California (and its tax system)…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 5, 2025
Anaheim Give Frank Vatrano an Extension
Vatrano is a large portion of the Ducks’ offence this season. He was the representative for the Ducks at the 2024 All-Star game, which was a deserving honour. The forward has taken his game to new heights despite some down years for the Ducks..
He’s third on the team in points with 20 with nine goals and 11 assists. Last season was his second straight 20 goal season and he has thrived since arriving in California. There was some concern that he’d be a trade piece. However, Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek seems to be making a commitment to the veteran forward.
This deal has a different structure than others. According to Pierre LeBrun, the Frank Vatrano extension will get $3 million a year in base salary. However, there will be $9 million in deferred salary. Starting 10 years from now in 2035, will make $900,000 a year for 10 years, and his plan is to live outside of California.
The Ducks will benefit with deferred payments by having $4.57M AAV (instead of $6M AAV) on the deal according to LeBrun.
What This Means
Vatrano is a key factor to what they are building. However, some think the team is still far away from being a true playoff contender. The team is still building further for the future. Anaheim does have a future that is bright. Building around Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson, Pavel, Mintyukov, andCutter Gauthier is a great foundation.
Both sides were able to make a deal work. Vatrano gets to have his payday, but the Ducks get to have some flexibility on their books.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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