There wasn't a lot of action on today's NHL trade deadline, however, one that flew in right at the buzzer is one that's worth noting. The Washington Capitals acquired forward Anthony Mantha from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Richard Panik, Jakub Vrana, and two picks.
Those two picks were a first-round pick in this upcoming draft and a 2022 second-round pick first reported by Kevin Weekes of NHL.com.
NEWS | The Washington Capitals have acquired forward Anthony Mantha from the Detroit Red Wings for forwards Jakub Vrana and Richard Panik, a 2021 first round pick and a 2022 second round pick.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 12, 2021
This is a very good move for the Capitals who are currently tied with the New York Islanders atop the East Division. Mantha has scored 20-goals in two seasons so far in his young career. In 42 games this season, Mantha has just 11 goals and 21 points for the struggling Red Wings.
Back in November, the Red Wings gave Mantha a four-year contract extension worth $5.7 million per season. The move indicated that general manager Steve Yzerman wanted Mantha to be one of the cornerstones of the franchise. How quickly things have changed in a span of months. The Red Wings don't have a lot of star talent outside of captain Dylan Larkin, and now with the loss of Mantha, they really have to use their draft capital to rebuild this roster.
Mantha will certainly love this, as he goes from a franchise that's in rebuild to one with the Capitals that has cup aspirations. Not only that, Mantha will get to play alongside one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history in Alexander Ovechkin.
The Capitals did end up giving a lot, but in the end, this could be a move that's looked back on come playoff time, as one that helped vault Washington to the Cup finals.
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