Updated: Bruins trade Frank Vatrano to Panthers for third-round pick

The Bruins have traded forward Frank Vatrano to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a 2018 third-round pick in the NHL Entry Draft.

Vatrano, 23, has appeared in 25 games with Boston in 2017-18, posting two goals and 22 penalty minutes. The Bruins originally signed Vatrano as a free agent out of UMass-Amherst on March 13, 2015.

BSJ analysis

Vatrano showed flashes but he didn't take advantage of the limited opportunities he was given. It didn't help his cause that the Bruins are loaded with players that can do much more than he was able to do. Jake DeBrusk earned the chance to play with David Krejci and Ryan Spooner is having a career year. Danton Heinen has been one of the most consistent players for the Bruins this season.

Earlier in his career, Vatrano showed glimpses as a versatile player who has the ability to have success in different roles. His shot and speed were on the elite level, but both dwindled with the lack of ice time. He didn't live up to his strengths and quickly became one of the players on the outside looking in.

His calling card is a straight-line player with an NHL-caliber release. He just couldn't do it on a regular basis. When he wasn't scoring he needed to add other elements and that wasn't the case.

Boston's depth chart this season is impressive and there are several players with similar skill sets that can fill many roles, including Vatrano. While the internal competition is healthy for the organization, Vatrano never fit in this season.