Big trade proposal involving the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals

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MarcO
December 24, 2022 (4:43 PM)

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Since the beginning of the season, there have been several trade rumors involving the Habs. As we know, Kent Hughes is always looking to free up money on the team's payroll and once everyone is back to health, the Habs GM will have to make some choices.

In the last few days, the names of Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat of the Vancouver Canucks have been linked to the Habs and the chances are pretty good that these two players will leave the Canucks organization by March 3rd.

However, another name will have to be added to some of the Habs rumors and as reported by Alex Néron of Fanadiens.com, it is a Quebec forward.

According to insider Marco D'Amico, the Washington Capitals are reportedly looking to trade Anthony Mantha because of Nicklas Backstrom's potential return to action and because the Caps will need to create space under the salary cap.

Mantha, 28, has 19 points, including 8 goals, in 34 games this season and is under contract for one more season at $5.7 million per year, so he could be of interest to some teams, including the Habs.

Another insider, Shane Seney who published an article on The Hockey Writers, agrees and believes that Christian Dvorak could be a good option at center for the Capitals because of Backstrom's vulnerability. And with both forwards having rather disappointing seasons, a change of scenery could be beneficial in both cases.

An interesting proposition from the analyst.

But what's even more interesting is that since Mantha is left-handed and has a fairly large frame at 6-foot-5 and 234 pounds, he could be the perfect complement to Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on the top line.

But since Mantha commands a rather imposing salary and Kent Hughes is still looking to lighten his payroll, he might ask his Capitals counterpart to withhold part of the Quebec forward's salary.

To be continued.