The Anaheim Ducks‘ General Manager, Pat Verbeek, has been on the move this week, sealing two deals to unload some older veterans on expiring contracts. As the trade deadline looms just two days away, Verbeek faces a race against time to find a suitable deal for the highly-valued goal-scoring winger Frank Vatrano.
In a strategic move, the Ducks had retained cap space in their recent trades involving Ilya Lyubushkin, Adam Henrique, and Sam Carrick. However, this decision has left them unable to retain any more cap space for a potential Frank Vatrano deal. Unfortunately, this limitation puts the Ducks in a challenging position, making it unlikely for them to secure a substantial return for Vatrano unless they’re willing to absorb a less favorable contract from another team.
One avenue the Ducks could explore to enhance their return is by considering the inclusion of Barclay Goodrow’s contract from the New York Rangers. Goodrow, who is set to earn 3.6 million for the next four seasons, carries a significant price tag for a depth forward with modest production, totaling 8 points in 60 games. This strategic move could add that extra boost to the Ducks’ return, providing a nuanced solution to their trade deadline challenges.
The New York Rangers have been consistently tied to Frank Vatrano, fueling speculation that they’re actively seeking a scoring boost for their offensive lineup. The Rangers find themselves in a favorable position with an abundance of assets, making them well-equipped to acquire a red-hot winger like Vatrano, especially given his team-friendly contract that extends for another season after the current one.
Adding to the intrigue is Vatrano’s previous stint in New York alongside current teammate Ryan Strome, creating a sense of familiarity and chemistry that Rangers fans are eager to witness once again. The prospect of seeing the gifted sniper back on the ice at Madison Square Garden has fans across New York hopeful and fervently praying for a deal to materialize. The potential reunion could inject new energy into the Rangers’ offensive arsenal and elevate the excitement for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.
Episode 127: The Ol' Meat Sweats – Late Arrivals: An Anaheim Ducks Podcast
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Frank needs ro stay right where he is. He’s not a piece that should be dealt. He’s happy here, his team loves him and the fans love him. Pay the man his due and keep him where he belongs. Frank is a Duck.
As much as I agree that he is the exact type of player you want on your team, the Ducks are trying to become the next Tampa Bay Lightning in the league. Frank’s value is way higher than it’s ever been and there’s not many wingers to deal for at this deadline. The Ducks could an absolute haul back from him. Either way for Anaheim it’s a win-win, but if I’m Verbeek I’m getting ANOTHER first round pick for him or high potential player and strengthening the future core even more. Look at New Jersey, they got many 1st overall picks and were in a rebuild for SO long and are still struggling to make the playoffs, let alone being a contender. You need a lot more assets than you think, just look at how quickly LA blew through theirs on guys like Dubois, Gavrikov, Fiala and others.