ANAHEIM, Calif. — Frank Vatrano had an exceptional day on Sunday, as he not only secured a three-year contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks through the 2027-28 season but also contributed with two goals and an assist in the Ducks’ 4-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“I always say I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for the guys in this room. They push me every day to be my best,” Vatrano expressed after the game. “This is one of the best rooms I’ve ever been a part of. I’m excited for the change here and trying to build that winning culture.”
The 30-year-old forward is now in his third season with the Ducks, having scored 70 goals and provided 54 assists in 201 games. This season, he has tallied 11 goals and 12 assists. Reports indicate that his contract extension will guarantee him $3 million per season over the next three years, in addition to a deferred salary of $9 million starting in 2035. The Ducks typically do not disclose financial details of their contracts, which is why this information comes from an anonymous source.
Since joining the Ducks as a free agent in 2022, Vatrano has emerged as a key top-six forward, scoring more goals than anyone else on the team during his tenure. He led the Ducks with 37 goals and 60 points in the previous season, which led general manager Pat Verbeek to reject trade offers for him as he wanted to retain Vatrano as a vital component of the team’s rebuild.
“We’re excited to have Frank since he wants to be here,” Verbeek commented before the game. “We value his goal-scoring ability, which I believe will be essential as we become much more competitive over the next two years.”
The decision for a deferred salary structure in Vatrano’s contract allows the Ducks to manage their salary cap more effectively. Additionally, the deferred payment might offer Vatrano potential tax benefits depending on where he resides in 2035 due to California’s high state income tax.
Such deferred salaries have gained traction under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement but have been infrequently used until this season. For instance, the Carolina Hurricanes signed Seth Jarvis and Jacob Slavin to extensions that included deferred payments, while the Toronto Maple Leafs extended Jake McCabe with a contract containing deferred salary.
“From my experience as a former player, many don’t realize that when you retire, those paychecks that have been so consistent suddenly stop,” Verbeek remarked. “This arrangement enables Frank to provide stability for his family over the next decade. As discussions went on, it became a mutually beneficial outcome.”
Additionally, Anaheim is strategically planning for the future by ensuring they have salary cap flexibility as their young talent group prepares to hit free agency. This core of young players includes four forwards selected in the top five of various NHL drafts—Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, and Beckett Sennecke—as well as promising defensemen Olen Zellweger, Pavel Mintyukov, and Jackson LaCombe.
“I think you need to consider the broader picture. For me, it’s about securing funds that help set my family up for the future. Ultimately, it’ll also benefit the team,” Vatrano stated. “We have a young roster, and many of the guys will require significant contracts down the line, and I wanted to be part of that.”
With 171 goals and 123 assists over 602 career NHL games, Vatrano was set to become a restricted free agent this summer at the end of his previous three-year, $10.95 million agreement with the Ducks. Originally an undrafted free agent from western Massachusetts, Vatrano started his NHL career with the Boston Bruins and played for the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers before signing with Anaheim.
“He’s a top-notch skater, and he has always been a great shooter, but now he’s converting those skills into reliable goal-scoring abilities,” head coach Greg Cronin praised Vatrano. “I believe anyone who scores more than 25 goals in today’s NHL is considered a genuine goal scorer. I fully anticipate he will reach that mark again this season, likely in clusters.”
“This contract should alleviate some pressure from his shoulders regarding his future, knowing he’ll be with us for another three years, and that’s fantastic for our team,” Cronin added.
