Avalanche should target Ducks all-star forward

Leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, the Colorado Avalanche were one of the clubs linked to Anaheim Ducks forward Frank Vatrano. While the Ducks opted to hold onto Vatrano for the remainder of the season, there is an expectation that they will listen to offers for him again this offseason.

Vatrano, 30, had an excellent season for the Ducks, recording new career highs with 37 goals, 23 assists, and 60 points in 82 games. He was also quite impactful with his physicality, posting a career-high 156 hits. Due to his strong all-around play, he was named an All-Star for the first time.

With the Avalanche having several UFAs like Jonathan Drouin, Brandon Duhaime, Yakov Trenin, and Andrew Cogliano, they could end up being on the hunt for forward help. With Vatrano being a high-impact player carrying a reasonable $3.65 million cap hit, he certainly could grab their attention again this summer.

If the Avalanche added Vatrano, he would give them a big-time upgrade to their middle six. In addition, he would be an obvious choice for their power play because of his scoring ability.

It will be interesting to see if the Avalanche make a push for Vatrano. Given their confirmed past interest in him and the team's current situation, he is a player worth watching.