With 74 points in 81 games last season, he has been relegated to the fourth line and even scratched this season. The Canucks are trying to trade him, and there is strong interest from Washington.
However, the Capitals are constrained by limited salary cap space. They will need to trade Anthony Mantha and his hefty salary of $5.7 million.
"I think Washington is a team that looked at Kuzmenko, but I just don't see a trade possibility with them; it's not like the Canucks are going to take Anthony Mantha." - Friedman
This is where the Canadiens come into play. Kent Hughes could acquire prospects to take on Mantha for the rest of the season.
"No (the Canucks can't take Mantha), but the Montreal Canadiens could. He has an expiring contract this summer at $5.7 million. I would absorb his contract to add more assets." - Costa Rontzocos
So, Kuzmenko would go to Washington, Mantha to Montreal, and picks/prospects to Vancouver and Montreal. Do you like the idea?
POLL | ||
Would you like Mantha to wear Habs jersey for the rest of the season | ||
Yes | 196 | 60.5 % |
No | 128 | 39.5 % |
List of polls |