November 5, 2023 | 11:14am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

CAPITALS TRIED TO MOVE MANTHA, AGAIN

Anthony Mantha, forward

The Washington Capitals are still exploring the trade market for a top-six forward and continue to shop winger Anthony Mantha as they try to free up salary cap space to accommodate another move.

Capitals GM Brian MacLellan has been dangling Mantha since last season and upped his efforts in late-October, speaking with multiple teams about the 29-year-old’s availability.

As TFP’s David Pagnotta reported last week, the Capitals spoke with the Montreal Canadiens about taking on Mantha and his $5.7 million cap hit, but a deal has yet to be reached. According to Pagnotta, the Capitals and Habs discussions included Montreal forward Joel Armia, who would have been flipped to another team as part of a three-way move. It is unclear if those negotiations are still open.

Separate sources have also told TFP the Capitals spoke with the Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks about Mantha, but the added sweetener to take on Mantha’s contract was not believed to be high enough to entice either team.

The Anaheim Ducks are also willing to take on a contract if a high-valued asset is included in a deal.

Mantha has registered one goal and one assist in nine games so far this season – both points came on Oct. 25 against the New Jersey Devils.

The Capitals were dealt an unfortunate blow this week as star centre Nicklas Backstrom announced he is stepping away from the game due to ongoing health concerns.

Barring an uptick in trade negotiations over the last 24-36 hours, a trade involving Mantha is not believed to be imminent, but MacLellan will surely continue to comb the market.