I like it tbh, Mantha could be an intriguing fit next to Petey and Kuz if he worked out in VAN

I feel like if this was on the table it would have been completed by now

I don't like it for a few reasons.

For Garland a good chunk of his value comes from being a power play guy but he wouldn't get PP1 time here, and he only had 34 points at 5v5 last year. I worry he will just be a higher paid version of Sheary in Washington, someone who's decent and speedy everywhere line the lineup but isn't a gamechanger, and I can't justify that type of player at 5 million for the next 3 years. His extra term on his contract also makes it harder to navigate the cap situation next year with Sandin's extension, since you can't count on Oshie or Backstrom to retire and give Washington extra cap space. Also, he would keep a top 6 spot away from Miroshnichenko and Leonard for 2 more years, it just makes the next two years even more of a pain than it needs to be in terms of cap space and roster spots, as I feel it further perpetuates Washington's seemingly eternal winger logjam.

I feel like it might cost more to get Mantha out for Garland. I agree the move makes sense contract wise, but I don't think Mantha alone has the value. Maybe throwing in a 2nd or 3rd+ could be enough.

looking at how people are valuing mantha over garland in the comments rn is definitely making me question my opinion

Not gonna fight you on any of your other reasoning, but the idea that Garland is a PP guy is really farfetched. He's notably been quite the opposite. Over the last 3 seasons he ranks 44th in 5v5 production among forwards - he's with impressive company in that aspect. The ranking from 40-48 goes Tavares, Zibanejad, Kadri, Barkov, Garland, Hintz, Bunting, Kopitar, Aho.

On top of that only about 18% of his points have come on the PP over that stretch, which is a really low percentage...

Garland isn’t a PP guy at all. He’s a great 5v5 producer, especially in 21/22

Disagree. His analytics at 5v5 are fantastic. He'll get better players to play with here. His 5v5 point per 60 rate over the last 3 seasons (2.21) would be 3rd on the Caps. Only Ovi (2.39) and Storme (2.26) have had a better 5v5 rate per 60. He's a legit top 6 winger and his cap hit is low enough that you can play him on the 3rd line if you want to give a top 6 space to a kid.

This is my main concern. It seems too easy to do that it would have happened by now. Guessing VAN doesn't like Mantha and Garland is a guy the Caps analytic department would love.

i think its the opposite. im guessing washington is wary of taking on more term for a middle 6 winger

As an outside fan, I like this for both sides.

I'd argue he's top 6 with his production, but maybe WSH sees it differently.

Van originally acquired him to be a top 6 player. he has never really wokred in the top 6 but imo he is deadly on the third line in soft matchups.

that said, looks like he will play on Pettersson's wing tonight (after getting almost no time there last season) so maybe coaching staff is showcasing him a bit.

Garland is really good and honestly I'm pretty bummed it has been a bit luke warm so far in vancouver for him. at this point, trading him for a pending UFA is a great option for vancouver because ti allows them more options next season

both players are underrated in general. they are both good hockey players that can contribute to a team winning. its just difficult to get the best out of them