In hopes of clinching another Stanley Cup, the Vegas Golden Knights have made a trade with the Washington Capitals to acquire Anthony Mantha. According to reports, the return from Vegas is a second-round pick in 2024 and a fourth-round selection in 2026. Washington is retaining 50% of Mantha’s salary in the trade.
Mantha was drafted 20th overall in the 2013 draft by the Detroit Red Wings. Since joining the league, he has tallied 286 points in 476 games played. 92 of those points were recorded in Washington. The Capitals right-winger has posted 34 points in 56 games this season. He is currently on pace for 49 points.
He is currently in the final year of his four-year $5.7 million contract, making him a pending UFA this offseason.
What Does Mantha Bring to the Golden Knights?
The former Capitals forward is a strong two-way winger with the ability to score. He brings depth scoring in the top-nine forward core while also adding solid defense when needed. At a height of 6’5” and weight of 234 pounds, the Golden Knights will be getting a solid pickup to their forward core. Mantha should bring physicality and goal-scoring, adding to their roster as a continued playoff threat.
With money to spend, the Golden Knights have made one of the week’s early moves. They didn’t have to give up a lot to get him, and they should still have space to do more, should they so choose. That he comes in at a price tag of $2.85 million helps.
Hitting the 20-goal mark likely elevated trade interest in the forward. He’s been otherwise inconsistent over the past few seasons. Despite potentially not maintaining his true top-six status as part of the Detroit Red Wings, Mantha’s impact in a team’s middle six remains significant. With the Capitals scoring 59 percent of goals and earning 52 percent of expected goals when Mantha is on the ice, the Golden Knights must have liked his 22.4 percent shooting efficiency at five-on-five. This performance, coupled with a goal rate of 1.61 per 60, positioned Mantha as a compelling acquisition.
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