During a recent installment of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman floated the notion of the Edmonton Oilers engaging in trade discussions with the Washington Capitals concerning forward Anthony Mantha.
He highlighted Ken Holland’s past association with Mantha, having drafted him 20th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft during his tenure as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. Naturally, a nod to Detroit is expected whenever Holland’s name approaches the Trade Deadline. But is Mantha a viable option for Edmonton?
In his ninth NHL season, spanning 53 games, he has notched 18 goals and 13 assists, totaling 31 points. Across his career, encompassing 473 games, he has amassed 283 points. In terms of offensive output, he could provide valuable support for secondary scoring on either the second or third line—a lingering concern for the Oilers post-All-Star break,
with the return of line adjustments causing some frustration. One minor critique of his game is his relatively low hit count, considering his imposing stature at 6’5” and 234 lbs. This season, he has registered just 30 hits, compared to his peak of 91 hits in the 2017/2018 season. While it’s not the sole factor in facing opponents, having a physical presence can prove advantageous in a grueling seven-game series where intensity mounts. Another consideration is his $5.7M cap hit, though it expires in the offseason; nevertheless, managing this is a perennial concern when vying for a deep playoff run.
Are you intrigued by the prospect of acquiring Anthony Mantha? Or do you have reservations? Let me know your thoughts.