HIGHLIGHTS
- Frank Vatrano signed a creative 3-year, $18 million deal with Anaheim
- The contract includes $9 million in deferred salary for a lower cap hit
- Read below for a full breakdown and analysis of Vatrano’s unique extension
Frank Vatrano just landed himself a pretty unique deal with the Anaheim Ducks.
The 30-year-old forward signed a three-year, $18 million contract extension that has the hockey world buzzing – and for good reason.
Fired up to have Frank with us for three more years!#FlyTogether https://t.co/2oxODq6mfZ
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) January 5, 2025
The Money Breakdown
The deal pays Vatrano $3 million in base salary each season. But here’s the interesting part – half of his money ($9 million) is deferred salary that he won’t see until 2035.
Starting in 2035, he’ll get $900,000 annually for ten years. This clever setup gives the Ducks a $4.57 million cap hit instead of $6 million.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Contract Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Value | $18 million |
| Base Salary (per year) | $3 million |
| Deferred Salary | $9 million |
| Deferred Payment (per year, 2035-2045) | $900,000 |
| Annual Cap Hit | $4.57 million |
It’s the type of deal we rarely see in hockey, more common in MLB, where the Los Angeles Dodgers famously inked similar contracts.
Why the Unique Structure
So why did the Ducks and Vatrano go this route? Well, it’s a win-win for both sides.
For Anaheim, it provides immediate cap relief as they aim to build a contender around young stars like Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson. The lower cap hit gives them more flexibility to make moves.
For Vatrano, it’s about long-term security and tax savings. He plans to live outside of California when the deferred payments kick in, likely in a state with lower taxes. That’s a savvy financial play.
Vatrano’s Thoughts
Vatrano, who could have tested free agency at season’s end, made it clear he’s buying into Anaheim’s vision. In a video posted to social media, the ex-Bruin expressed his excitement:
https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks/status/1875993348164731277
“Ever since my family and I got here three years ago, fans, teammates and staff have welcomed me with open arms. I see how bright our future is here, and we are making turns in the right direction to build a winning culture and ultimately bring a Stanley Cup here to Anaheim.”
The announcement initially scared some fans who thought he’d been traded, with one commenting, “MY HEART FELL OUT OF MY ASS. I ASSUMED THE WORST” – showing just how valued “Frank the Tank” has become in Anaheim.
The Ducks’ Perspective
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek echoed that sentiment, calling Vatrano a key piece of the team’s future
“Frank is an important member of our team and is committed to the organization moving forward. He is a hard-nosed, competitive player with a gift for scoring goals. We couldn’t be happier for Frank to sign for three more years.”
Vatrano’s Impact & Future
Vatrano, who could have been a UFA this summer, is coming off a career-best 37-goal, 60-point season in 2023-24. He has 20 points in 37 games this year.
It’s quite the journey for a kid from Western Massachusetts, who had his dad and uncle in the stands when he scored his first NHL goal against Montreal.
In 601 career NHL games with the Bruins, Panthers, Rangers and Ducks, Vatrano has tallied 169 goals and 291 points. The Ducks are counting on him to be a key offensive contributor as they push for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
This unique deal keeps him in Orange County through 2027-28 and beyond. It’s a creative contract that could become a model for other teams and players looking to find common ground in a flat-cap world. Don’t be surprised if other teams start copying this blueprint.
