Frank Vatrano's honest opinions on being called the 'Shohei Ohtani of hockey' with deferred money in new Anaheim Ducks deal

Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano shared his thoughts on being dubbed the "Shohei Ohtani of hockey" following his new contract. On Sunday, Vatrano signed a three-year, $18 million deal that averages $4.57 million annually.

The contract includes a unique payment structure, with Vatrano set to receive $3 million each season over the next three years, while the remaining $9 million ($900,000 over the next 10 years) will be deferred, starting in 2035.

His new contract kicks in at the beginning of the 2025-26 season. On the NHL Network with Bruce Boudreau and Jamison Coyle, Frank Vatrano explained how the comparison with Ohtani came about.

Frank Vatrano noted that his agent, Peter Fish, had initially presented the idea during negotiations. The Ducks management followed it up by highlighting the financial benefits of the contract structure, particularly in terms of tax savings.

"We were talking, we were kind of just talking about a regular deal, and then Pat nand Jeff Solomon kind of brought up the idea, look at it this way, with the tax that you save, and at the end of the day, you're making, more money than you would make it at a certain dollar amount," Vatrano said (20:42).

The 30-year-old expressed his satisfaction with the arrangement, emphasizing its potential for long-term financial stability and suggesting that other players could benefit from similar strategies.

And for me, being financially stable for years to come with retirement, I kind of like the way that it's structured. And, I think more guys should do it, especially with taxes in California and other cities in the NHL. I think you can try to benefit this way as much as possible.

Before his new deal, Vatrano signed a three-year, $13.7 million contract with the Ducks in 2022. He could have become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the ongoing season.

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How has Frank Vatrano fared for the Ducks this season?

Frank Vatrano has been in decent form for the Ducks this season. The 30-year-old is tied with Ryan Strome as the second-leading scorer for the team, with 23 points.

Vatrano entered the NHL as an undrafted player, joining the Boston Bruins (played for three seasons) during the 2015-16 season. He has played for multiple teams during his 10-year career, including the Florida Panthers for five seasons and the New York Rangers for one season.

Vatrano has been with the Ducks for the last three years. He has accumulated 294 points, consisting of 171 goals and 123 assists, in 602 games.