Value of: Frank Vatrano at the deadline.
- Thread starter LEAFANFORLIFE23
- Start date
WhatTheDuck
9 - 20 - 8
The Ducks have had so many picks in recent years, and hit on enough mid rounders (becoming decent prospects) that they will soon run out of space to develop all of them. Had to start Sasha Pastujov in the ECHL until injuries and call ups made space, Rodwin Dionicio has been scratched a bunch lately. Then you look at the Ducks and Gulls, both seem to struggle from a lack of true high end veteran talent.
Point being, I don't know how many more times the Ducks should be making these types of moves. If Vatrano gets hot enough to pull a 1st round pick, you probably have to pull the trigger. Otherwise they should be seriously considering signing him. He's one of two guys on the roster who have any goal scoring credentials. He's fairly physical and has improved his two way game. Apparently really loves it in Anaheim and is grateful for having the opportunity to break out there. As long as the term doesn't get absurd, I'd just keep him around for middle six type money. The Ducks have trouble attracting free agents, can't count on replacing his scoring and already struggle to score.
Point being, I don't know how many more times the Ducks should be making these types of moves. If Vatrano gets hot enough to pull a 1st round pick, you probably have to pull the trigger. Otherwise they should be seriously considering signing him. He's one of two guys on the roster who have any goal scoring credentials. He's fairly physical and has improved his two way game. Apparently really loves it in Anaheim and is grateful for having the opportunity to break out there. As long as the term doesn't get absurd, I'd just keep him around for middle six type money. The Ducks have trouble attracting free agents, can't count on replacing his scoring and already struggle to score.
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I agree. He's shown over the past couple of years that he can be productive even in the midst of a dumpster fire system. I doubt that any return for him would come close to what he's bringing to the ice (& that won't show up for at least a couple of years when they need the stability 'now'). If he's happy living/playing there & willing to take a medium length contract at a decent salary, sign him.
Even a first from a competitive team is likely a much later first ... those have value to be certain, but not as much as people around here like to think. If Anaheim was able to sign good free agents on occasion, I'd be more willing to roll the dice. But in this case the bird in hand is probably much better than a mystery box in the bush (to completely mangle metaphors...)
The Ducks are a rebuilding team and this is his chance at a fairly big payday, I'm not sure the Ducks are the team that's going to pay him his money or term.
WhatTheDuck
9 - 20 - 8
They were in full rebuild mode when he signed there last time, now are at least hoping to be taking steps forward. They have as much cap space as anyone, he's already shown to be a good fit, and he's one of two proven scorers on the roster.
“I don't want play anywhere else. It's where I want to be. I see the bigger picture. I see how good we're going to be next year and the years to come, so I want to be part of the solution.” - Vatrano
Like I said, if there's a strong enough offer, you have to consider it, as with any impending UFA on a non playoff team. But it's not some inevitability they will sell him off for the best offer. They have good reason to keep him and that's a very realistic result. They aren't trying to stay in a perpetual state of rebuilding and really don't need more middling young assets at all. Need more quality veterans around and not less, Vatrano is more likely to sign in Anaheim for reasonable market value than some random other free agent.
