I don't see the Caps trading Mantha. Eller is probable, especially if Backy is deemed ready to go for rest of year. Mantha is a big piece, despite not showing production on the stat sheet. He has played quite well recently and has helped drive play. No need to trade Mantha, unless they return a better top 6 winger...

Snively is an interesting one, especially since he probably would be claimed on waivers if sent down.

100% agreed. Now if that was a true 2023 1st then hell yes I'm trading Mantha for that but no way MTL are trading their 1st round pick, it will be a top 3 selection.

They almost have to move Mantha with the following players on expiring deals;

F- Strome (RFA), Eller, Sheary, Milano, Hathaway, Johansson, Aube-Kubel, Brown, Hagelin

D- Fehervary (RFA), Alexeyev (RFA), Orlov, Jensen, Gustafsson, Van Riemsdyk, Irwin

Mantha is not the guy Montreal would give up a top 16 pick for, Habs pass.

I'd say Florida's 1st is as much of a true 2023 1st as MTL's, they're currently 22nd in the league tied with MTL.

lol what? I don't think you know what you are talking about...

They will have just over $31mil next year. The following is who they will sign and for a projected contract (I have added a few $$ on the contracts to avoid bias):

Strome 5x$4.75mil
Fehervary 3x$3.25mil
Alexeyev 2x950k
Milano 3x2mil (probably won't make this much)
Orlov 3x$5.25mil (probably won't make this much)
TVR 2x$1.25mil
Jensen 2x$3.25mil

That is with Backy coming back next year, which is still a huge question mark. In addition, Oshie has been riddled with injuries so he could LTIRetire as well. Also doesn't include Iorio who could be NHL ready. If that is the case, TVR could play 2nd RHD and Iorio plays 3rd RHD...That would save the Caps Jensen's contract.

Lines would be:

Ovi-Kuzy-Wilson
Strome-Backy-Mantha
Milano-McM-Oshie
Snively-Dowd-Protas

Fehervary-Carlson
Orlov-Jensen
Alexeyev-TVR

Keumper
Lindgren

Scratches: LoJo (LD) / Malenstyn (F)

But sure, say they move Mantha - it would almost certainly be in the offseason -> not midseason to only get a 1st back when the Caps are trying to contend.

Caps fans - Any idea on a potential return date? I'm trying to time a drop/add in fantasy for Wilson/Backstrom lol. Your help is appreciated!!

impossible.

values are wayyyyyyyyy offffff.

Montreal Seattle and Arizona all get high and chose to make these deals lol

contend for what?

lol contend for the Stanely Cup, bud

It's really tough to predict.

But I'd say

Backy ~first week of Jan
Wilson ~Jan 17

Total guesses lol

Appreciate the guesses my friend!

Where are you getting that figure from>? They'll have more like 21 million +/- depending on Cap increase. Your theoretical contracts add up to 20.7 million and doesn't even fill out the roster.

What are you guys smokin!! HABS don`t need Mantha and will not trade a 1st rd pick

Just what the Habs need another winger

Ah typo, thanks. I meant $21mil (but accidentally hit the 3). And I just double checked, if the cap raises by $1mil (which is what it looks like), the Caps will have just over $22mil (which includes Backy's contract).

I think you should re-read my post. I posted the lines, which shows a 22 player roster, and is in fact a full roster (2 healthy scratches)...

Posting it again incase you missed it:

Ovi-Kuzy-Wilson
Strome-Backy-Mantha
Milano-McM-Oshie
Snively-Dowd-Protas

Fehervary-Carlson
Orlov-Jensen
Alexeyev-TVR

Keumper
Lindgren

Scratches: LoJo (LD) / Malenstyn (F)

That would leave $55,833 in Cap space but I think you are undervaluing what Orlov, Jensen and TVR will sign for.

Drouin, Dadonov and Byron are gone after this season right?

no they do not

Habs are no way moving a top 20 pick when rebuilding for ANOTHER overpaid middle 6 lazy guy.
Comical.

True but looking at strength of schedule, MTL has the hardest one until the end of the season. They are about to get lit up.

Tell me you know nothing about the habs without telling me you know nothing about the habs

That Florida first is looking like a top 13 pick in the 2023 draft. I take that pick anyday instead of injury proned Mantha

yeah right ahahah

Cap and roster spots we will happily free up for our youth. If anything we'll take another Dadonov/Monahan type move.