Anaheim facing major decisions in the NHL - is this the next move?

Anaheim Ducks is looking to create more space under the salary cap. The Fourth Period reports that forward Frank Vatrano may be the player traded out of the team.

A surprising turn of events occurred for Anaheim when the Philadelphia Flyers made a five-year offer sheet worth 18 million dollars per season to Leo Carlsson. If the Ducks match the offer and keep Carlsson at that price, the team will have just under ten million dollars of salary cap space remaining.

Anaheim has just signed defenseman Pavel Mintjukov to a five-year extension worth 7.2 million dollars per season. The team also needs to make an extension for forward Cutter Gauthier, who is currently a restricted free agent.

Vatrano, 32, earns 4.57 million dollars for the season and his contract is valid for two more seasons. His last season was tough, as he recorded only 5+4 points in 50 games.

Vatrano has represented Anaheim for four seasons. His best season was 2023-24, when he scored an impressive 37 goals and 60 points. He also had two other seasons where he surpassed the 20-goal and 40-point marks.

Having played over 700 games in his NHL career, Vatrano has previously represented the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, and Boston Bruins.