Anthony Mantha on the move to Canada?

The Washington Capitals are still fighting for a playoff spot, but time is running out. There is a good chance they’ll be sellers at the March 8 trade deadline, and if that’s the case, reports have emerged that forward Anthony Mantha could be on the move.

According to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, Mantha has garnered interest from the Colorado Avalanche, but also from two Canadian teams in the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs.

“Multiple teams are believed to have interest in Mantha, including the Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs, however the Capitals might need to retain a portion of his $5.7 million salary cap hit to help facilitate a trade.”

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also commented on the possibility of seeing Mantha on the move, hinting at Edmonton as a possible landing spot since Oilers general manager Ken Holland is the one who seleted Mantha while serving as GM of the Detroit Red Wings.

“Washington’s been trying to trade Mantha for a long time,” Friedman said. “But now we’re coming to the time where he’s a UFA, and the salary isn’t as much anymore. He’s gotten hot at the right time. And there’s going to be someone that’s going to say, ‘We’re going to take a chance, because he’s playing for his next deal, and he’ll be highly motivated to play for his next deal.’ … Who knows Anthony Mantha better than anyone else?”

Mantha is a pending free agent as he currently plays the final year of a four-year, $22.8 million contract. He does not own any no-trade protection and is earning $6.5 million in actual salary this season.

With the tight salary cap for most contenders, there is no doubt that the Capitals would have to absorb part of Mantha’s salary or even get a third team involved in the trade to make sure the club acquiring Mantha respects the cap limits.

The 29 year-old forward has bounced back from his first season in Washington in 2023-24, collecting 18 goals and 13 assists for 31 points in 53 games so far this season. This season’s goals total is the highest he has hit since 2018-19 when he played for the Red Wings.

Could he join a familiar face in Holland in Edmonton or will he end up staying East for a deal with the Maple Leafs?

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