Capitals could pay Canadiens to part with Anthony Mantha

Anthony Mantha’s trade to the Capitals hasn’t exactly blossomed as one would have imagined, in Washington

Anthony Mantha played just 118 games in three seasons with the Caps, hampered by numerous injuries, and wasn’t a huge offensive factor in the games he did play. In 67 games this season, he scored just 27 points, a stark contrast to his 38-point, 43-game season with the Wings in 2019-2020.

Washington may be ready to throw in the towel.

With Alex Ovechkin’s career inevitably coming to an end soon, Mantha’s $5.7 million per year is no longer justifiable. According to Frank Seravalli, the organization is discussing the possibility of trading him – and perhaps even paying a team that decides to acquire his services.

Will Kent Hughes take the bait if there’s a draft pick down the line?

Washington Capitals’ Anthony Mantha will be one to watch in trade talks https://t.co/PhSLx2gKjM

– Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) May 22, 2023

For probably very little money, the Habs could get an interesting pick AND the opportunity to revive the career of a Quebecer who was once destined for an important offensive role with any club.

And with only one season remaining at $5.7 million, the risk would be seemingly non-existent for the CH: if it works out, all the better, and if not, you’ve got one more pick in the bank.

In fact, the question that needs to be asked is an organizational one. Do we want to offer a roster spot to Mantha, while promising, younger and less expensive players want to carve out a place for themselves with the big club? At a certain point, “Sean Monahan-style transactions” are all very well, but you can’t exploit this strategy ad infinitum for just anyone.

Nevertheless, the question remains.

The Capitals, on the other hand, could free up key money to invest intelligently in Ovechkin’s entourage. It’s no surprise that the organization is highly dissatisfied with missing the playoffs and wants to maximize the end of the career of the greatest player in their history.

Mantha’s situation will be one to watch this summer.

Detroit doing relatively well

On the other hand, Jakub Vrana was balloted after using the NHL’s assistance program in the fall, before finally being traded for Dylan McLaughlin (27, AHL) and a seventh-round pick. At the time, Vrana played just 42 games with the team, collecting 32 points in the process.

Detroit can take heart, however, in the fact that the first-round pick acquired (Wyatt Johnston) made it possible to acquire Sebastian Cossa in another transaction with the Stars.