It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The start of training camps are still a month away. However, we’ve got plenty to talk about as we ramp up for the 2024-25 season. General managers are already thinking about the future beyond next season. Some players are going to angling to get bigger deals with the salary cap going up. Today’s edition of NHL rumours looks at the future of an Anaheim Ducks forward.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Future of Anaheim Ducks Forward Unclear
Rumour: Derek Lee of the Hockey News speculated on the future of Ducks winger Frank Vatrano. The 30-year-old is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Analysis: Vatrano took a big step forward with 37 goals and 60 points for the Ducks. He was one of the few bright spots on an Anaheim squad deep in the throes of a rebuild. The East Longmeadow, Mass. native is making $3.65 million this season, but will be a UFA after that.
Vatrano ate up a lot of ice time with Anaheim and played on pretty much all units for this young squad. His 18:21 of ice time was good enough for second on the team team behind Alex Killorn.
If Vatrano can come close to repeating his last season’s performance, he’ll get himself a decent pay raise. Another 37-goal season might be a tall order, but he could be in line for another 20-plus goal campaign. He’s been a three-time 20-goal scorer in his career.
What Does the Future Hold?
Lee alluded to a deal similar that off what Tyler Bertuzzi got from the Chicago Blackhawks as a possible template. Bertuzzi inked a deal for four seasons that will see him get $5.5 million per season. Vatrano could get something similar if he has another strong season.
However, it’s still unknown if Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek will extend the forward. Vatrano can sign a contract extension at any time due to him being in the final year of his contract.
The veteran forward has been a strong leader and is well-liked in the locker room. Vatrano also stated that he wants to stay in Orange County when he talked to NHL.com recently.
However, what does the future hold for Vatrano? Do the Ducks want to give a deal to a player because of worries about regression?
Showcasing His Talents
Vatrano will have plenty of chances to show off to anyone interested in a deal if Anaheim decides to move on. The Ducks are a young team, but need to start taking some steps forward. There’s some good young talent in players like Trevor Zegras, Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish, but the group needs to get going.
Anaheim will rely on Vatrano once again after not adding a lot in the free agent market. Vatrano is going to be on all the units once again this season. This will be a good chance to show his versatility to anyone interested.
Teams need veteran leaders and Vatrano seems to fit the bill. However, it’s a matter on what direction Verbeek and the Ducks want to go.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
