Sabres Summer Trade Target – Frank Vatrano
9-year NHL veteran had 37 goals with Anaheim last season
Sabres Summer Trade Target – Frank VatranoThe Buffalo Sabres face a season where accountability will be stressed under head coach Lindy Ruff and areas of need will have to be addressed by GM Kevyn Adams for the club to snap their 13-year playoff drought. We have been taking a look at players who could be potential trade targets this summer over the last few weeks in advance of a year that has to be considered playoffs or bust.
Frank Vatrano – Wing (Anaheim Ducks)
Contract status – signed through 2024-25 at $3.65 million AAV, unrestricted free agent next summer
Another potential candidate who fits the criteria of fitting in with the Sabres in more of a depth role and someone who does not have significant term remaining on their contract is Vatrano, who is coming off a career-high 37 goals in his second year with the Anaheim Ducks.
A Boston area native and product of the US National Development Program, Vatrano signed as an undrafted free agent with the Bruins after one year with the University of Massachusetts. After three years in Boston, he was dealt to Florida in 2018 and spent four-plus seasons with the Panthers before being dealt to the NY Rangers at the 2022 trade deadline and playing well for them during their deep playoff run.
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The 30-year-old signed a three-year free agent deal in Anaheim and scored 22 goals in 2023 before leading the Ducks in goals (37) and points (60) last season.
GM Pat Verbeek is still in rebuild mode, accumulating young pieces to surround young future stars like Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson. He held on to veteran Adam Henrique because the price for centers gets more expensive closer to the deadline, but with Vatrano coming off a career-high goal total and with a very affordable cap hit, the time to move the winger may be this summer.
The Sabres have a window to make upgrades going into next season, with nearly $23 million in cap space, one of the NHL’s best prospect pools, and all their draft picks. Adams may be willing this summer to deal his 2024 first-round pick or youngsters such as Matthew Savoie, Jiri Kulich, or Isak Rosen to upgrade his top six and provide a trigger man for either Tage Thompson or Dylan Cozens.
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