Blockbuster: Red Wings and Capitals Pull Off Huge Trade

The Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings saved their excitement until the final moments before the trade deadline as the two teams have agreed to a huge trade that sends Anthony Mantha to the Caps in exchange for Richard Panik, Jakub Vrana plus two draft picks.

**Breaking News**

Hearing @DetroitRedWings are moving Mantha to @Capitals for Panik / Vrana and more @TSNHockey @NHLNetwork @NHL #HockeyTwitter
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) April 12, 2021

Deal also includes a 1st & 2nd RD picks ! @TSNHockey @NHLNetwork @NHL #HockeyTwitter
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) April 12, 2021

Mantha heads to Washington and immediately upgrades their second-line and second power-play unit and could be a huge piece for the Caps' secondary playoff scoring. The 26-year-old former first-rounder of the Wings has scored 11 goals in 42 games this season and has potential to be a 30-goal scorer in the league. Mantha is signed under contract at $5.7 million through the 2023-24 season. It's quite the deal as the Wings just signed him to his contract extension before this season started so it's obvious they saw something they didn't like this season.

As for the Wings, they move on from Mantha and receive two draft picks which could turn into major assets and add Vrana who is a restricted free-agent at season's end. He's scored 11 goals so far this season, and recorded 25 points in 39 games for the Caps.

We knew there would be at least one blockbuster today and little did we know we would have to wait until after the deadline passed to hear the news.

NEWS | The Washington Capitals have acquired forward Anthony Mantha from the Detroit Red Wings for forwards Jakub Vrana and Richard Panik, a 2021 first round pick and a 2022 second round pick.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 12, 2021