A trade scenario suggests that the New York Rangers might re-acquire Anaheim Ducks forward Frank Vatrano, who has been the subject of recent trade rumors. Vatrano is entering the final season of his three-year, $10.95 million contract with the Ducks. He was linked to the Rangers at last year’s trade deadline, but no deal materialized. Now, with the 2024-25 NHL season approaching, speculation about his potential move has resurfaced.
The website PuckPedia has introduced a new tool called PuckGM, which allows users to propose their own trades. One user suggested a trade where the Rangers would receive Vatrano in exchange for Kaapo Kakko, a former second-overall draft pick who has struggled to meet expectations, along with a 2026 third-round pick.
Vatrano was originally acquired by the Rangers from the Florida Panthers on March 16, 2022, in exchange for a fourth-round pick. During his time with the Rangers, Vatrano recorded 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists) in 22 regular-season games and added 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) in 20 playoff games. He then signed a three-year deal with the Ducks and was named an All-Star in the 2023-24 NHL season.
Vatrano’s addition would bolster the Rangers’ right wing, which currently includes Alexis Lafreniere and Reilly Smith. Meanwhile, Kakko, who was drafted second overall in 2019, has struggled to find consistency in the NHL. He recently signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract extension with the Rangers and could potentially fill the second-line right winger role in Anaheim, which is currently held by Vatrano.
At the 2024 NHL trade deadline, the Rangers were reportedly interested in acquiring Vatrano. ESPN’s Amy Kaplan noted that the Ducks had proposed a multi-player deal involving Vatrano and Adam Henrique in exchange for Kakko and a first-round pick, but the Rangers deemed the offer too steep.
In the current trade proposal, the Rangers would not have to part with a first-round pick, which could make the deal more appealing. Although the Rangers signed Kakko to a one-year extension in June, they haven’t ruled out trading him. However, according to USA Today reporter Vincent Mercogliano, the Rangers have not been satisfied with the trade offers for Kakko, as teams have been trying to acquire him at a lower value.
Kakko has played in 300 NHL games, recording 57 goals and 60 assists for a total of 117 points.
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