Frank Vatrano and New York Rangers Reunion in the Works
Photo Credit: Jess Starr / The Hockey Writers
For the entirety of the 2023-24 NHL season, the New York Rangers have been desperately looking for a top line right winger. They had one for a little over 50 games in Blake Wheeler, but he is out for the remainder of the season with a lower body injury. Adding on to that, his nine goals and 12 assists stat-line, was not very impactful for the first place metropolitan team. With the trade deadline quickly approaching on Mar. 8, the Rangers are looking to fill that spot with veteran Frank Vatrano, a winger who was on the team for their 2022 playoff run.
Vatrano is having an excellent season for the Anaheim Ducks, sitting at 29 goals and 19 assists, while he was selected as an All-Star. Acquiring Vatrano’s goal scoring ability would mean adding another piece to a line consisting of Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad; two players known for their scoring chances.
The news broke during an episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, where Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discussed the Rangers’ trade needs and if Vatrano would be a good fit. Servalli was able to give some insider information with the following quote:
“It’s real. The Ducks have spent a long time scouting the Rangers. My thought process is, as unofficial as it is, it’s gotta be some kind of roster player that the Rangers are looking to send back to Anaheim.”
Another big talking point is the fact that if the Rangers do acquire Vatrano, they may also be going after center, Adam Henrique. New York needs depth scoring, which current third liner, Jonny Brodzinski, is adding to this team. However, Henrique provides more two-way play, which can be crucial come playoff time. Brodzinski was only called up this season, where he has no playoff experience; something that the Rangers are monitoring very closely.
One big package deal would have to be worked out between both sides, if this information is true. New York would be getting two stud players, but what Anaheim would receive, still remains a mystery. Many people think that it would be Kaapo Kakko; once a second overall pick, now turned third liner. Getting rid of Kakko means getting rid of player who fills his role perfectly. While he may not be the player that New York fans expected to be when he first came to the team, he is still very solid nonetheless. He provides crucial goals for the team, while he is turning himself into a more defensive-minded player. This should be a player that is off limits in any trade talks that the Rangers take part in.
Other names that have been linked to a Ducks trade, are prospects such as Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard, and Adam Sykora; some of the best players for the Hartford Wolf Pack at the moment. However, an ESPN report said that Rangers General Manager, Chris Drury, is not answering any phone calls about trading away Othmann. This could maybe hint at the fact that Berard or Sykora is part of a package between the two teams. One or two prospects is not going to cut it either. New York will have to give up draft capital of some sorts. It is said that the organization wants to hang onto their first round pick, but any other picks are up for grabs.
It looks like the final package going to the Ducks, will maybe feature two prospects and a draft pick or two. Many Rangers fans also want Barclay Goodrow to be part of the trade. For a center making $3.6 million annually, with only one goal this season, he is not the most popular among the New York hockey community. Perhaps the league will see Goodrow as another part of the trade. Retaining money is the final step in this, whether the team’s want to take on a portion of the cap hit, or if they want to involve another team to help out with that.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
No new information has been released on this potential trade, but both teams are probably hoping to get it done within the upcoming week. The Rangers know what they are going to get out of Vatrano and Henrique, which is veteran presence and experience, that both of them have. Vatrano also has the experience of playing in New York, where he has chemistry with most of the team. The Ducks will get a few picks and prospect players, which will continue to grow their young team. This trade should benefit both sides, and both teams allegedly want to make it happen.