Ducks sign Sami Vatanen to four-year, $19.5-million deal
The Ducks on Saturday announced they had signed defenseman Sami Vatanen to a four-year contract worth $19.5 million, a reasonable price for the 25-year-old Finn after he hit career-best marks in assists (29) and points (38) last season. Vatanen had been eligible to become a restricted free agent on July 1.
Vatanen’s contract breaks down to $5 million in the 2016-17 season, $5 million in 2017-18, $5 million in 2018-19, and $4.5 million in 2019-20. He has a partial no-trade clause that applies to only the last two seasons.
His signing maintains the Ducks’ depth on defense, with youngsters Shea Theodore and Brandon Montour expected to challenge for regular roles. With a surplus on defense — and mobile, young defensemen always in demand — the Ducks can make moves to fill other needs.
General Manager Bob Murray has three more key players to sign before they can become restricted free agents: forward Rickard Rakell, defenseman Hampus Lindholm and goaltender Frederik Andersen.
Twitter: @helenenothelen
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