Frank Vatrano isn’t looking to move.
The East Longmeadow native and former UMass forward who began his career with the Bruins, has blossomed into an All-Star and a veteran leader in Anaheim. But the 29-year-old success combined with the Ducks’ collective struggles have made him an attractive target to contenders heading into Friday’s NHL trade deadline.
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Vatrano, 29, is in the midst of his second season of a three-year deal. His $3.65 million cap hit is manageable for a team who’d want to add his career-high 29 goals and 19 assists through 60 games. Vatrano has become a more complete 200-foot player and even kills penalties now.
The Rangers, who picked him up at the 2022 deadline are reportedly interested in bringing him back. But Vatrano is hoping to continue the building process he’s part of in California.
“I want to be a Duck for a long time,” the three-time 20-goal scorer told The Athletic. “I want to be a part of the solution here. I want to help these young guys grow. I want to do what veterans have done for me in the past. Help those guys grow. I’m happy here. My wife’s happy here. We have a baby here and we love it here. This is our second home. Those things are out of my control. But I want to be a Duck and be here as long as possible.”
Vatrano signed with the Bruins after one season at UMass and was up and down between Boston and Providence of the AHL before he was traded to Florida, where he spent parts of five seasons before joining the Rangers for the stretch run in 2022.
Anaheim Ducks’ Frank Vatrano (77) during an NHL hockey game against the Arizona Coyotes, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)AP
Believing he had more to offer in a bigger role he signed with Anaheim and has thrived.
“I was always a third-line guy in my entire career,” Vatrano told the Athletic. “I never once complained about ice time. Obviously, you think in your head you deserve more ice time but at the end of the day, you’re trying to help the team win as much as possible whether that’s playing 13 minutes a night or playing 20. Luckily, I got here to Anaheim and I had the chance to play PP, PK. Top-six role.”
At 22-35-3, the Ducks are in the running for the No. 1 overall draft pick and could be multiple season away from contending for a playoff spot. Vatrano could land prospects or draft choices that could help that rebuild.
