The Capitals made a massive trade ahead of Monday's NHL trade deadline, dealing forwards Jakub Vrana and Richard Panik, along with a 2021 first-round pick and a 2022 second-round pick, to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for winger Anthony Mantha.
Vrana, 25, was a key contributor on the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup run and figured to be a star in Washington for years to come.
Vrana is slated to become a restricted free agent after this season, a likely factor in Washington's decision to move him. In announcing the trade, the Caps noted that Mantha is under contract through the 2023-24 season with a $5.7 million AAV.
Mantha, 26, has recorded 21 points on 11 goals and 10 assists in 42 games for Detroit this season. Washington is trading size for speed in acquiring the 6-foot-5, 234-pound Mantha for the 6-foot, 197-pound Vrana. Mantha led Detroit with 19 even-strength points (9 goals, 10 assists) and was tied for third with two power-play goals.
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Mantha was on pace for his best statistical season during the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season, ranking third on the Red Wings in goals (16), tying for third in assists (22) and third in points (38), despite appearing in only 42 of the team's 71 games due to injury. He's led Detroit in goals per game in two of the last four seasons (2017-18 and 2019-20) and has ranked within the top three on the team in goals in each of his five full seasons since making his NHL debut in March 2016. He was selected 20th overall by Detroit in 2013.
Vrana has recorded 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 39 games for the Caps this season. Selected 13th overall by Washington in 2014, Vrana's recorded 157 points (76 goals, 81 assists) in 284 career games for the Caps.
Panik, 30, recorded nine points on three goals and six assists in 36 games for the Caps this season. He's appeared in 95 games for Washington.