In your eyes would you rather pay to get rid of Mantha or actually get something in exchange for him but also take back some lesser salary? (Like 2-4M in 1 year)

Because the Habs would love Mantha and if they could work a deal where they send a retained Hoffman and a pick for Mantha, I'd be good with that. Saves you the 2nd, gives you a pick in return and the added cap you'd get from Hoffman wouldn't put you over the limit from what you have here. Heck you could even just bury him and get an additional cap saving/Waiver claim.

im not totally against the idea. Hoffman would fill the need of a scoring winger that we desperately need. can you give me an example of what the trade would look like in your opinion?

Hawks would accept that. I know caps fans are unhappy with Mantha, but you think you cant get something for him?

Well it depends on how much cap saving is the goal for WSH. If they want max saving, so retaining 50% on Hoffman, I'd do 5th or mid tier prospect like Mysak/Norlinder. If they don't mind just taking the difference between Mantha's 5.7 and Hoffman's 4.5 only, I'd personally be willing to do a 3rd AND one of those prospects like Norlinder/Mysak etc