Jan 5, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks Anaheim Ducks right wing Frank Vatrano (77) moves in for a shot on goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Frank Vatrano Signs 3-Year, $18MM Extension with Anaheim Ducks

Innovative deferred pay deal reduces cap hit, secures Vatrano's commitment to Ducks amid career resurgence.

In a statement with his young daughter, Frank Vatrano is pledging his commitment to Orange County for an additional three seasons. In a swift update from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Vatrano’s three-year contract will earn him $18MM overall but includes an unusual approach to deferred pay.

LeBrun reports that Vatrano’s base salary will be $3MM annually throughout the contract, with $9MM deferred. Starting in 2035, Vatrano will make $900K each year from the Ducks through 2044. LeBrun claims that Vatrano intends to reside outside of California during retirement, allowing him the option to receive his yearly disbursement in a tax-exempt state. Moreover, the innovative approach of the deferred salary reduces Vatrano’s cap hit to $4.67MM (instead of $6MM), resulting in savings for Anaheim.

Taking a look under the hood on Frank Vatrano’s new extension 🔦 pic.twitter.com/h1JFOrxLzG
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) January 5, 2025

Mainly utilized in Major League Baseball, this represents the most innovative application of deferred salary in recent history within the National Hockey League and could indicate future trends. Growing concerns exist that teams in states lacking an income tax possess a competitive edge over other teams, especially when compared to the Canadian market in recent years. Anaheim’s implementation of deferred salary might demonstrate to players, especially unrestricted free agents, that there are innovative methods to circumvent financial obstacles.

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For Vatrano, it’s a substantial increase from his previous $3.65MM salary over the past three years. Following a lackluster season with the New York Rangers, the Ducks brought Vatrano on board with a three-year, $10.95MM deal as an unrestricted free agent during the summer of 2022. As a result, he has experienced the two most fruitful seasons of his career.

Vatrano netted 22 goals and recorded 41 points in 81 matches for Anaheim in the 2022-23 season, ending up tied for third in the team’s goal-scoring. Vatrano continued that strong performance with his finest season to date, netting 37 goals and 60 points in 82 games last year, breaking his former record of 24 goals from the 2018-19 season with the Florida Panthers.

Vatrano’s scoring production has decreased a bit this season with nine goals and 20 points over 37 games, but he continues to be a physical, offensive asset in the Ducks’ top six. It’s no surprise that Vatrano’s defensive game is evolving under head coach Greg Cronin’s tough system, as the seasoned scorer is achieving his highest 5-on-5 on-ice save percentage since his tenure with the Panthers.

The extension signifies Vatrano’s genuine dedication to a reconstructing team. It also eliminates a significant trade prospect from being considered as the deadline nears. Vatrano’s playing style would benefit nearly any competitive team’s middle.

Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Anaheim Ducks

Frank Vatrano

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!