Confirmed with Link: Ducks extend Frank Vatrano (3 years, $4.57M AAV) - includes deferred salary

[ADHB]

I don't think this is going to be anything that starts some huge trend. There are a few teams and certain players that might want to take advantage of it, but most players, especially young guys who haven't hit FA yet, are going to want their money up front. The only guys it sort of makes sense for are guys like Frank, who already have made decent money, and are then in a position to set themselves up for future things like comfort, retirement. etc.

You can't compare it to baseball, because the contracts there are insanely higher than they are in the NHL. And in a guy like Ohtani's case, he can easily do it because he's probably making $50M a year in endorsements already. So he doesn't need the salary up front. Hockey players have very short careers. They're going to want to cash in on as much as they can when they have the chance outside a few exceptions.

That being said, I can see the NHL and the PA limiting it in the next CBA, since both probably see reasons to do so. The league can say it doesn't want cap manipulation, while the PA can say it doesn't want its players being convinced to kick the financial can down the road.

 

[MCB]

That being said, I can see the NHL and the PA limiting it in the next CBA, since both probably see reasons to do so. The league can say it doesn't want cap manipulation, while the PA can say it doesn't want its players being convinced to kick the financial can down the road.

I hope not, it gives high tax states a way to slightly get away from that problem. Obviously big name players probably won't be interested (would love to be wrong about that) but for the middle of the pack players it's helpful. I know it doesn't completely fix the balance between high tax and no tax, but it's something.

 

[Doothpick]

Vatrano seems like a great dude, glad to have him in the room.

 

[FiveTacos]

Vatrano seems like a great dude, glad to have him in the room.

Yeah, he's an imperfect player for sure, and I wouldn't have overpaid for him. But glad he's staying on a pretty good deal.

And does this put to bed the idea that everyone despises Cronin and can't wait to get away from him?

 

[Anaheim4ever]

Vatrano seems like a great dude, glad to have him in the room.

Its neat how he's a PKer too like Cogliano was for the Ducks.

 

[Emerald Duck]

I think Trouba gets a similar deal next year, maybe even with deferrals. He's going to take a pay cut for sure.

I like this deal for the Ducks. I thought Vatrano could/would get a 4-5 year deal as a UFA. Glad the ducks didn't do that. And the AAV is largely irrelevant for the next 3 years.

One good thing about Trouba's contract is that he signed it in a high tax state like NY (and before that in Canada) so at least CA's taxes shouldn't phase him

It sounds like his wife's career opportunities are important to him so hopefully he'll be willing to work with PV on a deal that both sides are happy with ... though the Kings are also an option if he reaches UFA in 2026.

 

[All Mighty]

 

[Duck Off]

I know there was a deal that somewhat did this before, but it feels like this is the first “big one”. Nice to see us being innovative for something like this for once.

 

[The Midnight Burrito]

OMG you’re kidding me. He seems like such a dummkopf.

 

[All Mighty]

Vatrano interview at about 35:00


-Contract structure was proposed by the Ducks
-Loves living here
-Said Verbeek told his agent that there were no plans to trade him even when there were rumors
-Gave a glowing review of Zegras as a teammate and a person

 

[CrazyDuck4u]

 

[WhatTheDuck]

Beautiful to hear

 

[Smirnov2Chistov]

I never understood the push from some on here that Frank NEEDED to be traded.

I've said it many times: although he is a streaky player, we need guys who can put the puck in the net. He's one of the few that can actually do it.

 

[robbieboy3686]

I never understood the push from some on here that Frank NEEDED to be traded.

I've said it many times: although he is a streaky player, we need guys who can put the puck in the net. He's one of the few that can actually do it.

He’s a heart and soul type. Agreed

 

[HanSolo]

I'm gonna pretend he never said that. Locker room cancer. Cocky classless trick shot merchant.

 

[StreetHawk]

I know there was a deal that somewhat did this before, but it feels like this is the first “big one”. Nice to see us being innovative for something like this for once.

Recent ones were from Carolina. Slavin a small amount and then Jarvis deferred to 1 more year. But not close to how far into the future from the end of their deals compared to Frank’s structure.

Numbers wise does the reduction in taxes offset the loss of the time value of money? That’s a calculation players would need to make.

 

[JAHV]

Recent ones were from Carolina. Slavin a small amount and then Jarvis deferred to 1 more year. But not close to how far into the future from the end of their deals compared to Frank’s structure.

Numbers wise does the reduction in taxes offset the loss of the time value of money? That’s a calculation players would need to make.

That's true, although in this case, Frank is getting the best of both worlds. He wouldn't have gotten $6 million per year from any team in today's money. So he's getting a guaranteed return AND potential tax savings.