Schmaltz will be a little more expensive than that

There is a difference between Patches and Mantha. Patches was still a positive asset and Vegas was desperate to clear cap. The Caps are not desperate to clear cap, and Mantha can hardly be considered a positive asset anymore, net neutral at best. Add in the fact that it’s an in division rivalry move, the Canes have no reason to help the Caps for free, and likely won’t take Mantha for free. A somewhat decent situational comparable would be the trade that sent Marleau to Carolina.

Arizona won’t be considering that. That isn’t enough to get Shmaltz.

I think Mantha on an expiring deal holds a bit more value than people think, and as you said unlike Vegas the Caps aren't desperate for the space, which would make them less likely to literally give him away for free. Carolina has 30m in space with no one important needing a raise, and still have a definite need at wing. Not saying its 100% going to happen or even their best option, but it would be very much in line with how they operate to take a flyer on someone like Mantha (who's underlying stats say he deserves a bigger role and more leeway) rather than give out a big contract in FA or give up futures for someone. Marleau was a significantly worse player making more money and the price TOR gave up to move him was widely considered a massive overpayment.

As for Schmaltz, this may be a little low but not by a significant margin IMO. I once again think people will be surprised at how willingly ARZ will move him along. Its a whole lot of real dollars to be paying for a team that will pinch any penny they can

No way for mantha no way for Mcmichal

They’re not interested in moving schmaltz, if they were he’d be gone already.