The Golden Knights were reportedly looking to add a winger or two ahead of the March 5 trade deadline. On Wednesday, they got one.
Vegas is reportedly acquiring winger Anthony Mantha from Washington in a pre-trade deadline day deal. It marks the first trade for the defending Stanley Cup champions ahead of Friday’s cutoff.
Mantha is in the midst of a resurgent year with the Capitals. After a disappointing last two years in Washington, the 6-5 winger is up to 20 goals and 34 points in 56 games this season while playing in a bottom-six role.
The timing of the deal coincides with a major slump by the Golden Knights. Vegas is 2-7-1 in its last 10 games and has lost three contests in a row. Captain Mark Stone was recently put on long-term injured reserve and may not be available in the playoffs. The addition of Mantha gives the Golden Knights a strong two-way presence on the wing in his absence.
Here is more to know about the trade bringing Mantha to the Golden Knights.
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Anthony Mantha trade details
This section will be updated with the complete details of the trade sending Mantha to the Golden Knights when available.
Golden Knights receive
- F Anthony Mantha
Capitals receive
Mantha’s career in Washington did not go as planned. He was acquired in a 2021 deal with the Red Wings, and the Capitals sent a package including forward Jakub Vrana to Detroit. Touted as a potential top-six weapon for the Capitals, injuries bogged down Mantha for most of his time in the nation’s capital.
This season, though, has been a positive one for the Quebec native. He hit 20 goals for the first time since 2018-19, and his 34 points are already his most since his 38 during the 2018-19 campaign. He has been effective both offensively and defensively at 5-on-5, making him an enticing add for the defending champions.
The Golden Knights play fast but physical hockey. A big body like Mantha, who is in the midst of his best shooting season to date, should help the team’s scoring and play at even strength. But it is worth noting that Mantha’s 22.2% shooting percentage is well above his career average of 12.6%.
Anthony Mantha contract
Mantha is in the final year of a four-year, $ 22.8 million contract he signed when he was still with the Red Wings. His deal carries a cap hit of $ 5.7 million for this season.
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He is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
| Season | AAV |
| 2023-24 | $ 5,700,000 |
| 2024-25 | UFA |
