Report: NY Rangers Also Pursuing Reunion With Ducks' Frank Vatrano

New York Rangers GM Chris Drury warned last week that he was ready to make some moves, and he's certainly followed up on that promise. On Friday, he dealt defenseman Jacob Trouba and his full $8 million cap hit to the Anaheim Ducks, then a few hours later finalized the signing of goaltender Igor Shesterkin to a record-breaking contract.

Now comes word that Drury is not done yet—and not done yet with the Ducks. According to Jim Biringer of rg.com, a source tells him that the Rangers are targeting All-Star Frank Vatrano, who spent 22 games with the Blueshirts before heading to Anaheim in 2022.

Would not be shocked if [Vatrano] is with the New York Rangers by year-end.

Since leaving New York in free agency, Vatrano has gone on to become an All-Star in Anaheim, with his 37-goal explosion last season.

Biringer says that Vatrano might have been the return in the original Trouba deal that was swung on Friday, but the Rangers felt under pressure to just get out from under the captain's $8M ASAP.

Information from sources close to the subject indicates that a deal involving Trouba to the Ducks would have seen Frank Vatrano return in return...
However, given the timing of the move, the (Rangers) preferred to move on from Trouba’s $8M cap hit immediately and circle back on Vatrano later.
The two teams were confirmed to have discussed Vatrano again during this latest set of talks, and expectations are the two teams will circle back on the former Ranger later in the season.

The two sides talked about a deal for Vatrano at last year's trade deadline as well, but New York "didn't want to part with Kaapo Kakko" at that time. Obviously, the Rangers would have no problem with that at this point.

The Rangers have rightfully identified Vatrano, writes Biringer, as a player "who could bring that much-needed spark to their lineup".

The Rangers are 14-10-1 and in 4th place in the Metro Division, far below their expectations thus far this season.