Post by krakengm on Apr 10, 2023 18:41:01 GMT -5
Seattle, WA - What a difference a change of scenery can make. When the Kraken dealt swapped Colin Miller and Brett Ritchie to the Penguins for Frank Vatrano and Robert Hagg in early February, Vatrano's future with the club was uncertain at best. His inclusion was said to be more about making the cap hits work than anything else. But in the past two months he has proven his value, finding excellent chemistry with centers Nazem Kadri and Tyler Johnson. In 31 games with Seattle he has scored 8 goals and added 17 assists. This was enough to earn a three year extension with the club.
"Great to see," said head coach Todd Reirden. "Frankie's put in the work, and thrived in a more prominent role for us."
"He's a great teammate and we have a knack for finding each other," said Johnson.
It has been a rough season for the Kraken, and there have been few bright spots. One could argue that this is just a case of circumstances for Vatrano, but the club's management is happy with what they see.
"We have a couple of players we expect to move into the lineup next year, and that may affect Frank's role. But so far he has exceeded our expectations and earned a new deal. He's earned his minutes by helping to improve our penalty kill and chipping in on the powerplay," said GM Jade Graber.
With Vatrano playing on the second powerplay unit, first penalty kill unit, and the top line, he is averaging 20 minutes a game with the Kraken - which leads the team.
"You need guys that can fill all roles, and he's a guy I can throw over the boards in any situation and count on good results," said Reirden.
Vatrano has become something of a fan favorite in Seattle, and is one of the good guys you want to see get rewarded.
--- Johnny Pike for the Seattle Times
"Great to see," said head coach Todd Reirden. "Frankie's put in the work, and thrived in a more prominent role for us."
"He's a great teammate and we have a knack for finding each other," said Johnson.
It has been a rough season for the Kraken, and there have been few bright spots. One could argue that this is just a case of circumstances for Vatrano, but the club's management is happy with what they see.
"We have a couple of players we expect to move into the lineup next year, and that may affect Frank's role. But so far he has exceeded our expectations and earned a new deal. He's earned his minutes by helping to improve our penalty kill and chipping in on the powerplay," said GM Jade Graber.
With Vatrano playing on the second powerplay unit, first penalty kill unit, and the top line, he is averaging 20 minutes a game with the Kraken - which leads the team.
"You need guys that can fill all roles, and he's a guy I can throw over the boards in any situation and count on good results," said Reirden.
Vatrano has become something of a fan favorite in Seattle, and is one of the good guys you want to see get rewarded.
--- Johnny Pike for the Seattle Times