The Anaheim Ducks have locked down Frank Vatrano for another three seasons, but it’s a contract that comes with a very unique pay structure.

An unrestricted free agent at seasons end, there was much speculation this year about a potential trade involving Anaheim’s Frank Vatrano, but now that has all been put to bed.

On Sunday, the 30-year old forward announced he has re-signed with the Ducks for three seasons after 2024/25, and with the young core coming up around him, it’s become clear that he’s committed to helping this team grow long-term.

However, it’s no a normal deal, outlined by insider Pierre LeBrun as he reveals that part of the salary will be deferred, as Vatrano will be given $900,000 a year starting in 2035 for 10 years, tallying $9 million long after his playing days will be over.

Frank Vatrano’s 3-year, $18M extension is an interesting one. He will get paid $3M a year in base salary but then $9M in deferred salary. Starting 10 years from now in 2035, will make $900,000 a year for 10 years, and his plan is to live outside of California (and its tax system) at that point in retirement. Ducks, meanwhile, benefit with deferred payments by having $4.57M AAV (instead of $6M AAV) on the deal. Creative way for both the team and player to make it work. And perhaps show other players in future way to stick-handle around California tax issue.

While this is a great way for a player to get financial security in the long run, as LeBrun mentions, it’s also a very unique way to get around taxes in California, something that the Los Angeles Dodgers clearly figured out with Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani, as they deferred a large majority of his salary.

Ultimately, this appears to be a very good move for Anaheim and Vatrano, as they look in an All-Star forward for what may be the remainder of his prime as they look to take a step towards being competitive, and for Vatrano, he finds long-term security and a way around California’s tax system.