Anaheim Ducks forward Frank Vatrano has become a hot topic in trade discussions, with one potential trade scenario seeing him return to the New York Rangers.
Vatrano is entering the last year of his three-year, $10.95 million contract with the Ducks. He was previously linked to the Rangers at last season’s trade deadline, but no deal materialized.
With the 2024-25 NHL season approaching, trade rumors surrounding Vatrano have resurfaced.
The website PuckPedia introduced a new feature called PuckGM, allowing users to create hypothetical trades. One user suggested a deal that would send Vatrano back to the Rangers.
Proposed Trade:
– Rangers receive: Frank Vatrano
– Ducks receive: Kaapo Kakko and a 2026 third-round pick
In this proposed trade, the Rangers would acquire Vatrano in exchange for Kaapo Kakko, a former second-overall pick who has struggled to meet expectations, along with a third-round draft pick.
The Rangers originally acquired Vatrano on March 16, 2022, from the Florida Panthers in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
During his time with the Rangers, Vatrano tallied 8 goals and 5 assists for 13 points in 22 games, adding 5 goals and 8 assists in 20 playoff games.
After his tenure with the Rangers, Vatrano signed a three-year contract with the Ducks and earned All-Star honors in the 2023-24 NHL season.
Vatrano would bring additional scoring depth to a Rangers lineup that already features Alexis Lafreniere and Reilly Smith on the right wing.
Kaapo Kakko, who was drafted second overall in 2019, has struggled with consistency in the NHL. He recently signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract extension with the Rangers but could potentially fill Vatrano’s current role as a second-line right winger with the Ducks.
Rangers’ Interest in Vatrano at the Trade Deadline:
At the 2024 NHL trade deadline, the Rangers expressed interest in Vatrano, with discussions between New York and Anaheim taking place, according to ESPN’s Amy Kaplan. Kaplan reported that the Ducks proposed a multi-player trade involving Vatrano and Kakko.
“I’ve heard the Ducks offered the Rangers a package deal a few weeks ago that included Henrique and Vatrano for Kakko and a first-round pick. The Rangers clearly thought that was too rich for their liking,” Kaplan wrote.
The proposed trade above, which doesn’t involve a first-round pick, might be more appealing to the Rangers, potentially leading to Vatrano’s return.
Rangers’ Response to Trade Offers for Kakko:
Despite Kakko’s one-year extension in June, the Rangers have not ruled out trading him. However, USA Today reporter Vincent Mercogliano noted that the Rangers have not been impressed with the trade offers they’ve received.
“Even more ice time could be available if Kakko is ultimately traded, but one source indicated the Blueshirts weren’t thrilled with the offers that came in around the draft,” Mercogliano wrote.
“Teams were trying to buy low on the former No. 2 overall pick, with Drury rightly holding off unless someone ups the ante.”
Kakko has played in 300 NHL games, recording 57 goals and 60 assists for a total of 117 points.
