Vegas Golden Knights Trade Candidate Report: Frank Vatrano

The Vegas Golden Knights have dealt with a series of unfortunate injuries this season. It's devastated their forward position to where they've had their best players miss time. However, there is hope for the franchise at the trade deadline, specifically with key players returning.

General manager Kelly McCrimmon has a slew of draft picks to use, along with some cap space to milk. He can make a move (or two) to add forward depth, giving the Vegas Golden Knights more scoring options. That's where Frank Vatrano comes in.

The right wing for the Anaheim Ducks has plenty o' value to his name, making him a lucrative trade candidate. Therefore, it makes logical sense to bring Vatrano on board for the Golden Knights. But how will he fit into Bruce Cassidy's system? What must Vegas give up to obtain his services?

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.