Anaheim Ducks forward Frank Vatrano has surfaced in trade rumors, with one proposal suggesting that the New York Rangers could reacquire the All-Star forward. Vatrano is in the final year of his three-year, $10.95 million contract with the Ducks. Despite being linked to the Rangers at last year’s trade deadline, no deal materialized. As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, speculation is growing that Vatrano might be on the move again.
A new tool on PuckPedia, called PuckGM, allows users to propose trades, and one suggestion involves the Rangers trading for Vatrano. According to the proposed deal, the Rangers would send Kaapo Kakko and a 2026 third-round pick to the Ducks in exchange for Vatrano.
Vatrano, who was acquired by the Rangers on March 16, 2022, from the Florida Panthers for a fourth-round pick, made a notable impact with 8 goals and 5 assists in 22 regular-season games and 5 goals with 8 assists in 20 playoff games. After his stint with the Rangers, he signed a three-year deal with the Ducks and was an All-Star in the 2023-24 season.
On the other hand, Kakko, drafted second overall in 2019, has struggled to live up to expectations and signed a one-year, $2.4 million extension with the Rangers this offseason. He could potentially fill Vatrano’s role as the second-line right winger.
The Rangers had shown interest in Vatrano at the 2024 NHL trade deadline, and discussions between New York and Anaheim were reported by ESPN’s Amy Kaplan. Kaplan noted that the Ducks had proposed a package deal involving Vatrano and Henrique for Kakko and a first-round pick, which the Rangers found too costly.
In the current trade pitch, the Rangers would not need to part with a first-round pick, which could make the deal more appealing. Despite Kakko’s recent one-year extension, he remains a potential trade candidate, with USA Today’s Vincent Mercogliano reporting that the Rangers have been unimpressed with the trade offers they’ve received. Teams have been attempting to buy low on Kakko, but Rangers GM Chris Drury is holding out for a better offer.
Kakko has played 300 NHL games, recording 57 goals and 60 assists for 117 points.