There’s no question Washington Capitals forward Anthony Mantha has been somewhat underwhelming during his brief tenure in the District. His skill-set has been “as advertised” on occasion, but he’s lacked the consistent drive and finish to become a bonafide top-six winger in the nation’s capital.
Mantha’s $5.7 million price tag is also a choke point for most, leaving one fishing through the available free-agent forward listings. In addition, Mantha is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2023-24 season, and will most likely be finding a new team next summer, if not sooner.
So why should the Capitals consider holding on to Mantha? Simply put, motivation and trade value.
If you take a look at Mantha’s previous contract year, he had his best points-producing season of his career. The surge during his last contract year could be pure coincidence and/or happenstance. Nonetheless, it’s another data point in the Mantha decision tree.
There is also a chance that new head coach Spencer Carbery can light a fire under Mantha. Carbery is an excellent motivator and relates well to his players. He knows who needs to be stroked and who needs to be scolded, and is excellent at the finer points of maximizing player potential. That combined with a little extra push on Mantha’s end in a contract year could go a long way..or longer way.
Right now Mantha’s trade value is at an all-time low and would likely cost the Capitals a draft pick(s) just to unload his weighty contract. In the event Mantha gets a good or even decent start to the 2023-24 season, his trade value and potential return will rise. Waiting to make a move mid-season will allow the Capitals to optimize the timing of a deal for the most beneficial return.
That’s the “why” it might pay to keep Mantha to start the season. We’ve documented the “why not” as well. Bottom line, the Capitals could certainly use his cap space, as there are plenty of point-producing options currently on the market or available via trade that can provide better points-per-dollar value than Mantha. And the Capitals need points producers.
The decision regarding Mantha will likely become known in the next couple of weeks. If the plan is to deal the winger, a trade occurring around the draft or in the following two weeks will likely surface. If the Capitals need cash to make a move to improve the team, it’s likely Mantha’s contract would be the first casualty, unless another player is moved in the deal.
If Mantha makes it to mid-July, he’s likely returning, unless Brian MacLellan gets an unexpected offer in the closing days of the off-season.
By Jon Sorensen