Mantha Trade to Benefit Golden Knights; a Larger Move on the Horizon
The Golden Knights have made their first move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring Capitals winger Anthony Mantha in exchange for two draft picks. In this deal, Washington will retain 50 percent of Mantha’s salary, allowing Vegas to still have cap space for further additions. With captain Mark Stone out due to injury, the Golden Knights have room to make more moves before the deadline.
The Salary Retention and Future Moves
By retaining 50 percent of Mantha’s salary, the Golden Knights have ensured that they still have usable cap space after the trade. This suggests that they are not done making moves and are likely to be active in the coming days. General manager Kelly McCrimmon’s willingness to pay a little extra in draft picks indicates that he is still looking to add to the roster.
Potential Additions
There are several options available for Vegas in terms of forwards and defensemen. Wingers like Jake Guentzel from Pittsburgh and Pavel Buchnevich from St. Louis could be potential additions. Both players have already scored over 20 goals this season and would fit under the cap with 50 percent salary retention. The Golden Knights could also consider less-expensive options like Adam Henrique from Anaheim or Vladimir Tarasenko from Ottawa. A reunion with Reilly Smith is also a possibility.
While it seems less likely that Vegas will add to its defense, it is not out of the question. The team has struggled defensively recently, allowing 36 goals in their last seven games. If they can identify an upgrade for a reasonable return, adding a defenseman is a possibility.
The Golden Knights’ Aggressive Buying
Despite their recent struggles, the Golden Knights are still aggressive buyers at the deadline. They have a .500 record since November but are loading up for their title defense, hoping that the additions and improved health will help them regain their dominance.
What the Golden Knights are Getting in Mantha
Anthony Mantha is having a tremendous season after two disappointing years in Washington. He has already scored 20 goals this season, reaching that mark for the first time since 2018-19. While there are differing opinions on whether his current shooting percentage is sustainable, his style of play and ability to score in front of the net make him a valuable addition to the Golden Knights.
Mantha’s Style of Play
At 6-foot-5, 234 pounds, Mantha is a difficult player to defend in front of the net. He has the strength to gain position, the size to make life difficult for goalies, and the puck skills to score once he’s there. He excels in the low slot area, with the majority of his shots and goals coming from that area.
In addition to his scoring ability, Mantha also possesses good hockey sense and has an excellent one-timer. His defensive responsibility makes him a versatile player who can fit into any line combination.
A Solid Deadline Move
Overall, the trade for Anthony Mantha seems like a good move for the Golden Knights. They didn’t give up a first-round pick and added a player who is in excellent form and fits their style of play. With cap space still available, this trade could be just the beginning of Vegas’ deadline moves.
Conclusion
The Golden Knights have made a significant move by acquiring Anthony Mantha from the Capitals. With salary retention and cap space still available, it is clear that Vegas is not done making moves before the trade deadline. Mantha brings scoring ability and versatility to the team, making him a valuable addition. The Golden Knights’ aggressive buying indicates their commitment to defending their title, and fans can expect more activity from them in the coming days.