A Very Interesting Trade Proposal Involving Anthony Mantha and a Disliked Player from the Canadiens has just Surfaced

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Elliot Ben Jacob
July 14, 2023 (5:58 PM)

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Almost all teams in the Atlantic Division have greatly improved this summer, which could cause some difficulties for the Montreal Canadiens next season. Indeed, it would not be surprising if the Tricolore is, once again, in the race for a top-10, even a top-5 pick in the next draft.

This reality explains why general manager Kent Hughes did not make a big move during the opening of the free-agent market. However, the CH will have a lot of room to maneuver under the salary cap on July 1st. The situation could be very different for the 2024-2025 season if the Canadiens manage to sign a top-line forward.

In the event that Kent Hughes wanted to free up even more space under his salary cap, Blain Potvin of The Hockey Writers has suggested a trade proposal that makes a lot of sense for the Montreal organization.

Indeed, he would send forward Joel Armia, whose contract is still valid for two seasons, to the Washington Capitals in return for Anthony Mantha. While the Quebecois forward earns a salary of $5.7 million, his contract ends at the end of the next season, which would allow Kent Hughes to save Joel Armia's salary next summer.

Here is the trade proposal suggested by Blain Potvin:

TO MONTREAL:
- Anthony Mantha

TO WASHINGTON:
- Joel Armia

Wow! In our opinion, this is a trade that would greatly benefit the Canadiens!

The Tricolore could get rid of Joel Armia's contract for the 2024-2025 season, while giving Anthony Mantha a chance to prove himself during his last contract year. The Quebecer will want to show that he indeed belongs in the NHL and could rebound this season.

Personally, the Canadiens' general manager, Kent Hughes, would lose nothing by concluding such a trade as the risk would be almost non-existent and would certainly be beneficial in the long term for the Montreal organization.

"Whatever the case, this transaction, in the worst-case scenario, would allow Kent Hughes to free himself from a contract that hinders his plan for next year, while having no ties beyond this season with the newcomer." - Marco Normandin

At 28 years old, Anthony Mantha has seen his offensive production decrease over the past few seasons due to numerous injuries. However, there is no doubt that the Quebecer is still capable of being a valuable asset on the top three lines of a team, having scored more than 20 goals twice since he arrived in the NHL.

If you were in Kent Hughes' shoes, would you accept this trade?

Credit: Habs et LNH