The Capitals could pay the Canadiens to get rid of Anthony Mantha

Anthony Mantha’s deal with the Capitals didn’t quite blossom as one might have imagined in Washington

Anthony Mantha played just 118 games in three seasons with the Caps, plagued by numerous injuries, and wasn’t a huge offensive factor in the games he did play. In 67 games this season, he has just 27 points, a stark contrast to his 38-point, 43-game season with the Wings in 2019-20.

On the Washington side, we may be ready to throw in the towel.

Although Alex Ovechkin’s career will inevitably end soon, the $5.7 million per year dedicated to Mantha 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 is a draft?

For probably very little, the Canadian could get an interesting pick AND the opportunity to relaunch the career of a Quebecer once destined for an important offensive role at any club.

And with just one season left at $5.7 million, the risk seems nonexistent for CH: If it works, great, and if it doesn’t, you’ve got another pick in the bank.

Unless Pierre-Luc Dubois is already eating a large portion of the mass, who knows…

In fact, the question to be asked is of an organizational nature. Will we offer a place in the ranks for Mantha, while promising young players, younger and cheaper, will want to find a place in the big club? At one point, “Sean Monahan-style transactions” are great, but you can’t leverage this strategy endlessly and for anyone.

Nevertheless, the question arises.

The Capitals, on the other hand, could free up key money to invest smartly in Ovechkin’s following. It’s no surprise that the organization is deeply unhappy about missing the playoffs and wants to maximize the end of the career of the greatest player in their history.

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

Detroit is doing relatively well

On the other hand, Jakub Vrana was placed on waivers after using the NHL’s utility program this fall before finally being traded for Dylan McLaughlin (27, AHL) and a seventh-round pick. Vrana had then only played 42 games with the team, collecting 32 points in the process.

However, Detroit can rejoice that the acquired first-round pick (Wyatt Johnston) made it possible to acquire Sebastian Cossa’s pick in another trade with the Stars.

A lot

– Big gain.

– If he does, it will be goodbye to the NFL… unless.

– Martin Dagenais will be the new coach in Rouyn.