New York Rangers Eyeing Reunion With Ducks' Frank Vatrano
Photo credit: Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers
The New York Rangers do not appear to be done wheeling and dealing with the Anaheim Ducks, as they could be targeting a reunion with Frank Vatrano
New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury wasn't bluffing when he insinuated roster moves were forthcoming last week.
On Friday, he moved defenseman Jacob Trouba and his hefty $8 million cap hit to the Anaheim Ducks. Hours later, Drury finalized a record-breaking contract extension with goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
But Drury isn't quite done, and Anaheim is still in his crosshairs. According to Jim Biringer of 'rg.com', the Rangers are pursuing All-Star forward Frank Vatrano, who spent 22 games with the Blueshirts in 2022 before signing with the Ducks in free agency.
Would not be shocked if [Vatrano] is with the New York Rangers by year-end.
- Jim Biringer
- Jim Biringer
Frank Vatrano has thrived in Anaheim, scoring a career-high 37 goals last season to make the All-Star team.
As Biringer noted, the Rangers did attempt to include Vatrano in the Trouba trade before honing in on shipping Trouba's $8M cap hit out as quickly as possible.
Information from sources close to the subject indicates that a deal involving Trouba to the Ducks would have seen Frank Vatrano return in return...
However, given the timing of the move, the (Rangers) preferred to move on from Trouba's $8M cap hit immediately and circle back on Vatrano later.
The two teams were confirmed to have discussed Vatrano again during this latest set of talks, and expectations are the two teams will circle back on the former Ranger later in the season.
- Jim Biringer
However, given the timing of the move, the (Rangers) preferred to move on from Trouba's $8M cap hit immediately and circle back on Vatrano later.
The two teams were confirmed to have discussed Vatrano again during this latest set of talks, and expectations are the two teams will circle back on the former Ranger later in the season.
- Jim Biringer
Naturally, it's nothing new for the Rangers to be talking about trading Vatrano. The two teams discussed it at last season's deadline, and New York wasn't interested in moving Kaapo Kakko then, a stance they could revisit.
Adding Vatrano could add the spark the Rangers need upfront, according to Biringer, who addresses their recent woes. The Rangers, 14-10-1 and fourth in the Metropolitan Division, haven't lived up to their preseason projections.
As the weeks go on, fans and analysts alike will be keeping watch on whether this reunion ends up coming to fruition.
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