Frank Vatrano has seen this script before.
The newest Ducks forward remembers his early days in Florida, when the Panthers were working to build a team around its young core of Alexander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau and Aaron Ekblad.
Florida rode that trio, and the impressive supporting cast now assembled around it, to a franchise-record 122 points and the President's Trophy's as the NHL's best regular-season team this past season. And now, officially a Duck after
inking a three-year contract Tuesday afternoon
, Vatrano sees the similarities between his old digs and his new ones.
Vatrano Excited to Be a Part of the 'Very Bright Future in Anaheim'
"I think it's the same thing Florida went through and how they became the team they are today," Vatrano said. "You get the young guys who make an impact right and guys who are going to be superstars in the league from here until whenever they're done playing. The pieces are there."
Vatrano, 28, joins Anaheim after the most successful season of his seven-year NHL career. The Massachusetts native stood out in a limited role for Florida and then took full advantage of a top-six opportunity with the Rangers following a trade deadline deal, posting 13 points (eight goals) in 22 regular-season games with New York.
"Went to New York into an unbelievable situation, playing on the power play and playing in the top-six," Vatrano said, quick to point out the impact of "superstar" linemates Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.
Vatrano continued that breakout performance throughout the Rangers' run to the Eastern Conference Final with another 13 points in 20 postseason games, finishing fourth among team leaders in assists (eight) and even-strength points (nine), and becoming something of a fan favorite in the process.
"When the playoffs come around, you have to take your game to a whole new level and the regular season doesn't really mean much," he told reporters Tuesday. "It's just getting there and getting a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup. When you can produce and help your team out in the playoffs, it's extra special."
The sharp shooting winger now takes his talents to the west coast for the first time in his pro career, joined by former Rangers teammate Ryan Strome - who also signed with Anaheim Tuesday night, eager to join a team he's convinced is on the rise.
"I think you can see all the pieces are there," Vatrano said. "There are great veterans on the team, guys who have been around a long time, and then you have younger guys who have proven themselves already at such a young age. When you have a good mix of veteran leadership and young players who can push the play, that's a sign of a great team."
Vatrano said he wasn't sure what to expect going into free agency but had Anaheim first on his radar for preferred potential destinations. So when the Ducks were one of the first teams to reach out shortly after free agency officially opened, the decision quickly became a "no-brainer".
He describes his game as a straight-line, hardworking and aggressive style, maybe modestly underselling his offensive upside which once led him to pace the American Hockey League with 36 goals in as many games.
"I'm a guy that likes to play a north-south game," Vatrano said. "I like to be in on the forecheck and use my offensive capabilities, my shot and my speed to my advantage...The tenacity and speed is what I bring to the game. Being an undersized guy, you have to make a difference every single night. For me, that's being physical and having that tenacity."
Vatrano conceded he could see his finishing ability meshing well with the creativity of his new teammates Troy Terry or Trevor Zegras, whose skill stood out to him in their limited meetings, but his mentality heading into his first season in Anaheim is surely music to the ears of head coach Dallas Eakins.
"Wherever this team sees me fit in the lineup, I'm going to do whatever it takes to play the best I can every single night. I'll bring the effort every single night.
"The future is very bright in Anaheim."
