The Next Long-Term Extension For The Anaheim Ducks
By Jason Byun
5. Sami Vatanen
Dec 17, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) during the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
In an effort to really get our blue-line solidified for the long-haul, I believe that the Ducks will definitely look into extending Vatanen long-term.
Though Vatanen has never really received consistent playing time at the NHL level, this should be a big year for him. With the departure of Stephane Robidas and injury to Sheldon Souray, Vatanen should have an opportunity to play consistent NHL minutes this upcoming season.
There is no denying that Vatanen has talent: he was selected to play for Team Finland in the 2014 Winter Olympics and led all Finnish skaters in ice time en route to winning a bronze medal. He is an electric skater who oozes offensive ability and confidence on the ice. While the Ducks have an offensive-minded defenseman in Cam Fowler already, Vatanen will not have the same load defensively as Fowler, who regularly faces off against the toughest opposition.
Offensive-minded defensemen are a hot commodity in today’s NHL. The Kings won a Stanley Cup with players such as Slava Voynov and Alec Martinez providing skating prowess and offense from their blue line. The Blackhawks have a lethal offensive duo from the blue-line in Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Players such as Matt Niskanen and Anton Stralman raked in major paydays on the open market this offseason.
The Anaheim Ducks don’t have a player similar to Vatanen in their system currently who can contribute for the NHL club. Shea Theodore is expected to be a similar type of player, but he is still not ready to contribute from a development standpoint and completely unproven on the highest levels. Playing Vatanen in the playoffs was a huge reason the Ducks came back from an 0-2 series deficit against Los Angeles and eventually forced a Game 7. The Ducks also controlled play better with Vatanen on the ice at even strength than with any other defender who played half the season with the team.
If the Ducks decide to give Vatanen a long term deal, it would be a fantastic investment for the team. With the Ducks signing him to a two year bridge contract, he can show the team what he can do before cashing in on a potential long-term extension in 2016, when he again becomes a restricted free agent. This is the same path that the Montreal Canadiens took with P.K. Subban. While Vatanen probably will not be the caliber of player Subban is, he could stand to eventually capitalize on his opportunity in the same way.