Frank Vatrano himself announced on the Anaheim Ducks’ social networks that he had signed a new three-year contract for $18 million.
As Pierre LeBrun reports, the structure of Frank Vatrano’s contract is interesting. He will receive $3 million per year in base salary, then $9 million in deferred salary. 10 years from now, in 2035, he will earn $900,000 a year for 10 years, and his plan is to live outside of California (and its tax system) at that point in retirement.
The Ducks, meanwhile, benefit from deferred payments by paying $4.57 million on their payroll (instead of $6 million) on the contract. It’s a creative way for the team and the player to make it work. And maybe show other players in the future how to get around the problem of California taxes… or Canadian taxes.
Vatrano was to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
This season, Vatrano has 9 goals and 11 assists in 37 games with Anaheim.
Undrafted into the NHL, Vatrano has 601 games of regular season experience. He has 291 points, including 169 goals.
He is currently playing his fourth season with Anaheim.
