Vegas Golden Knights Trade Candidate Report: Frank Vatrano
The trade deadline is a week away and the Vegas Golden Knights need some players. Here's a look at one of the potential candidates, Frank Vatrano.
1. Frank Vatrano's Scouting Report
If the Golden Knights are looking to acquire one Frank Vatrano, they'll get a smaller forward at the helm. But that's not entirely a bad thing for Vegas, for the native of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, is a good offensive talent. Just look at his stats for this season (27 goals, 19 assists) and you'll see he knows how to put pucks in the net.
That's because he has a great offensive IQ on the ice. His ability to keep the puck in the offensive zone makes him valuable, specifically on the power play. He also reads opposing defenses well, making him a threat. That's why he has 11 power play goals this season, good for 11th in the NHL. You can also add him on the penalty kill, where he'll thrive. For a Golden Knights team in desperate need of scoring, you can't go wrong with the All-Star.
However, that comes at a price. Vatrano isn't the best defensive player in the NHL, often coming in a smaller size than his peers (5'11", 197 lbs.). The Golden Knights already have such a player in Jonathan Marchessault, so it remains to be seen how he'll be used.
Still, you can insert Vatrano in the higher lines to generate offensive talent. Whether he goes on the first or second line, you can count on the winger to boost the offense. His special teams acumen makes him even more valuable, especially for a power play unit lacking bite since its inception in the NHL.
2. Who Else Wants Frank Vatrano?
The New York Rangers are the first team that comes to mind. General manager Chris Drury has also been looking for forward depth for the Blueshirts and Frank Vatrano would be a perfect fit. Considering Vatrano is a former Ranger in his own right, the forward coming back to the Big Apple makes sense. Teams such as the Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are also eyeing his services.
One aspect that favors the Vegas Golden Knights is their current draft capital. The Rangers have given up six draft picks for the next three seasons, with a 2025 conditional pick to Dallas potentially being a part of that. The Golden Knights have their picks between rounds 1-3 for the next three drafts, giving them a distinct advantage.
The Golden Knights also have the advantage in salary cap space, with their current number sitting at $6.8 million. New York sits at $4.3 million, so it makes sense for Vegas to swing a trade for the All-Star. Here, the Golden Knights can take on more salary than the Rangers.
3. The Trade Proposal for Frank Vatrano
One additional perk of the Vegas Golden Knights getting Frank Vatrano is they're getting an additional year of control. The forward is signed through the 2024-2025 season, which means he won't be a rental. That adds more to his value, where the Golden Knights can work around him.
Therefore, it'd make sense for the Golden Knights to part ways with a second-round draft pick. While Vatrano won't carry the same weight as, say, Jake Guentzel, his contract and offensive ability give him a purpose in Bruce Cassidy's lineup. For a forward group starved of goal scorers, the Anaheim Ducks star will immediately make an impact.
Vatrano is a player the Golden Knights must have. They've been starved on the power play since their inaugural season and adding the forward with the likes of Jack Eichel makes the unit more formidable. McCrimmon must move fast to add Vatrano's services because a deal like this doesn't come around often.
Frank Vatrano Trade
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