Ducks re-sign Vatrano to 3-year extension

The Anaheim Ducks re-signed forward Frank Vatrano to a three-year extension Sunday.

Vatrano's new contract is worth $18 million and will pay him $3 million yearly in base salary, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. However, the pact reportedly carries an average annual value of $4.57 million because of $9 million in deferred salary. Starting in 2035, he will make $900,000 a year for 10 years, during which time he plans to live outside of California so he can pay less taxes on the deferred salary.

The veteran announced the deal in a video posted to X:

"I see how bright our future is here," Vatrano said. "We're making turns in the right direction to build a winning culture and ultimately bring a Stanley Cup here to Anaheim."

The 30-year-old could have become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He is currently playing out the final season of a three-year pact with a $3.65-million cap hit.

Vatrano initially joined the Ducks as a free agent in July 2022. He enjoyed a career year in 2023-24, potting 37 goals and 60 points while appearing in all 82 games.

"Frank is an important member of our team and is committed to the organization moving forward," Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said in a statement. "He is a hard-nosed, competitive player with a gift for scoring goals. We couldn’t be happier for Frank to sign for three more years."

Vatrano has amassed nine tallies and 11 assists in 37 contests so far this campaign. He's totaled 169 goals and 291 points in 601 career games, split between the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, and Ducks.