Florida Panthers: Highlighting Frank Vatrano’s Career Season
Since arriving to the Florida Panthers, forward Frank Vatrano has experienced consistent growth in his game, recording career numbers in 2018-19.
To say that 2018-19 was a career year for Frank Vatrano would be an understatement by all possible measures. Since his arrival, Vatrano has grown steadily and has really taken advantage of the solid platform that the Florida Panthers offered him since day one.
Arriving from Boston midway through the 2017-18 campaign, Frank Vatrano was immediately given an opportunity to play in a full-time role, something he wasn’t given over in B-Town.
In his debut season for the Panthers in 2017-18, Vatrano took part in 16 games, recording 5G, 3A, and 8 points in the process. In reward for his solid play during that small sample size, Vatrano also played some hockey in the top six on the second line.
Fast forward to the following season (2018-19), “Frankie V” participated in 81 games (the most in his NHL career), tallying 24G, 15A, and 39 points to cap off a career season.
Considering the success that Vatrano experienced from the very moment he arrived in South Florida, his results (this past season) weren’t really surprising seeing the position he was immediately put in.
I think it’s safe to note that Vatrano has always been put in a position to succeed, which is evident by his recent results. Better yet, it can be further backed by his notable playing time in the top six, featuring on both the first and second line.
Moreover, because of his successful play, Vatrano received a contract extension for three years, worth $2.53M annually ($7.6M total).
For a player with a lethal release and shot, who can score at 5v5 and on the second power-play unit, Vatrano’s contract extension is not only justifiable, but it’s also fair value for both parties alike.
With the Florida Panthers expected to become deeper up front to start next season, you can expect that forward Frank Vatrano will likely start on the third line, where he’ll flourish with teammate Henrik Borgstrom.
Whether he’s placed in the top six or the bottom six, Vatrano has shown that he can succeed in almost any position, so long as he’s placed alongside players who compliment his style.
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2019-20 is not only a big season for the Florida Panthers, but it’s also a big season for Frank Vatrano, who starts the first year of his new three-year contract. Big things lie ahead for “Frankie V.”