Value of: Frank Vatrano at the deadline.

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

We are a little bit under 3 months away from the deadline and the Ducks look like they are going to be sellers.

Frank Vatrano is going to be a target for teams looking for depth scoring. As of right now I don't think he's in 1st round pick territory but that could change in the next 10 weeks.

Right now I think he's in 2nd+3rd or 2nd+ decent prospect territory and I say that based on what Toffoli got last year

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[WhatTheDuck]

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.

 

[Rec T]

Otherwise they should be seriously considering signing him.

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...)

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

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.

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]

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.

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.

 

[doomscroll]

Trading him now when his value is likely much less than it would have been last deadline seems like poor asset management. Regardless, at a certain point the Ducks need to stop rebuilding and start building a veteran corps around their current group of young talent. They have a young group of quality centers, some good young D-men, and a solid young goalie - acquiring more picks outside the top-half of the first round is pretty pointless. They should keep and re-sign him.

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Trading him now when his value is likely much less than it would have been last deadline seems like poor asset management. Regardless, at a certain point the Ducks need to stop rebuilding and start building a veteran corps around their current group of young talent. They have a young group of quality centers, some good young D-men, and a solid young goalie - acquiring more picks outside the top-half of the first round is pretty pointless. They should keep and re-sign him.

I actually think we should bring back Vatrano as a depth guy…. Can fit on 2nd line but can also be a solid bottom 6 guy that can bring energy/scoring

But pv needs to see if he’s interested in that…. Or we have no choice but to move him

 

[cheesymc]

Verbeeks cheeks are wide open and ready to get bent over. All lowball offers are not open for business. He’s gonna blow it up before resigning.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Trading him now when his value is likely much less than it would have been last deadline seems like poor asset management. Regardless, at a certain point the Ducks need to stop rebuilding and start building a veteran corps around their current group of young talent. They have a young group of quality centers, some good young D-men, and a solid young goalie - acquiring more picks outside the top-half of the first round is pretty pointless. They should keep and re-sign him.

If Vatrano is interested in that then yes they should bring him back but that's not up to them that's TOTALLY up to him.

Does nothing he want to be on a rebuilding team?

 

[WhatTheDuck]

If Vatrano is interested in that then yes they should bring him back but that's not up to them that's TOTALLY up to him.

Does nothing he want to be on a rebuilding team?

See the quote from Vatrano four posts above yours

 

[KevinRedkey]

Tyler Boucher
OTT 2nd
Conditional 2026 FLA 3rd (If OTT makes 2nd round of playoffs in 2025)

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Tyler Boucher
OTT 2nd
Conditional 2026 FLA 3rd (If OTT makes 2nd round of playoffs in 2025)

Assuming his demands are reasonable money wise I think Vatrano is a guy we should keep…. Unless we’re getting stupid value.

While I think it’s okay value, I just don’t think we should move Vatrano… he likes playing in Anaheim and wants to play here…. And he’s a guy that can comfortably move down the line up and score/bring energy as the team improves.

 

[Gliff]

Tyler Boucher
OTT 2nd
Conditional 2026 FLA 3rd (If OTT makes 2nd round of playoffs in 2025)

I think the Ducks can get more then a 2nd and 3rd.

Vatrano is the type of rental most teams want because he can play anywhere in the lineup.

 

[Rooch]

Vatrano should be kept. He and Trouba are the type of veteran presence Anaheim needs. On the other hand, Strome and Killorn need to GTFO.

 

[Hobnobs]

Assuming his demands are reasonable money wise I think Vatrano is a guy we should keep…. Unless we’re getting stupid value.

While I think it’s okay value, I just don’t think we should move Vatrano… he likes playing in Anaheim and wants to play here…. And he’s a guy that can comfortably move down the line up and score/bring energy as the team improves.

I agree that Ducks are probably better off keeping him around. Seems like a great guy to have for a young team.

However couldn't hurt asking him if he wants a chance at a cup at the TDL and then bringing him back in the summer if he wants to try that.

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

I agree that Ducks are probably better off keeping him around. Seems like a great guy to have for a young team.

However couldn't hurt asking him if he wants a chance at a cup at the TDL and then bringing him back in the summer if he wants to try that.

Flirt with that idea but that doesn’t always work out.

 

[duckpuck]

It really comes down to contract. With both Killorn and Strome signed for two more years, I don't think the ducks should or can overpay another veteran. Vatrano is very likely looking to cash in with another 3 year + deal - as well he should. I don't see that as a fit for the ducks even though I like the player. If they can move Killorn or Strome, then that's another story.

 

[000x000]

Henrique got the Ducks a first. I think Vatrano could easily get a first as well.

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Henrique got the Ducks a first. I think Vatrano could easily get a first as well.

Ya teams will really like Vatrano if he is available

Plays hard, physical, goal scorer…. Kills penalties…. He’s an ideal middle 6 player on a contender

 

[cheesymc]

If Vatrano doesn’t resign, I wonder if Hoglander + 2nd would be the type of expected return. I don’t think the Ducks need more late 1st (we keep missing and haven’t hit since Rakell and Theodore). Hogs stylistically plays similar to Vatrano as a hard working inconsistent undersized scorer.

 

[BlackFrancis]

If Vatrano doesn’t resign, I wonder if Hoglander + 2nd would be the type of expected return. I don’t think the Ducks need more late 1st (we keep missing and haven’t hit since Rakell and Theodore). Hogs stylistically plays similar to Vatrano as a hard working inconsistent undersized scorer.

Don't know about undersized. Dude's build like a fire hydrant. Short, yes, but he's no waif.

 

[wintersej]

Henrique got the Ducks a first. I think Vatrano could easily get a first as well.

It was a center poor market last year.

 

[LuGBuG]

Pretty sure we are going to attempt to re-sign him. Hopefully anyway.

It really comes down to contract. With both Killorn and Strome signed for two more years, I don't think the ducks should or can overpay another veteran. Vatrano is very likely looking to cash in with another 3 year + deal - as well he should. I don't see that as a fit for the ducks even though I like the player. If they can move Killorn or Strome, then that's another story.

We certainly aren’t going to be in cap trouble for 2 years…..

 

[Gurglesons]

It would be absolutely insane for the Ducks to sign Vatrano.

 

[duckpuck]

Pretty sure we are going to attempt to re-sign him. Hopefully anyway.


We certainly aren’t going to be in cap trouble for 2 years…..

Maybe or maybe not. It is a question of allocating resources including signing other potential free agents (i.e., a better player).

That being said, do you think Vatrano is looking for a 2 year contract? i doubt that as this is his final high dollar contract opportunity.