Capitals Still Have Near Hopeless Trade Candidate Amidst Good Start To Season

The Washington Capitals struggled right out of the gates this season, but turned things around in a hurry and stormed into a playoff spot. They currently hold third place in a strong Metropolitan Division with a record of 12-6-2 despite a -4 goal differential.

There aren't a ton of expectations for the Capitals to remain where they are, but then again there wasn't much heading into the season for them. They are playing as a complete team more than anything else, but if they are still looking to compete all season long, there is one burden still on the roster.

I believe that the Capitals could be in the playoff race all season long, but won't make it very far if they do sneak in. Their veterans are slowing down and the team will need some help if they want to go further for one last run. They can't add much if Anthony Mantha is still under contract. He has struggled immensely since being acquired by the Capitals a few years ago and nothing has worked. He has been a healthy scratch and has played on every line.

He is currently moving between the second and third line while there are three key forwards on the team injured and has five goals and seven points in 16 games while averaging just 13 minutes a game. That is definitely not worth the $5.7 million AAV. Whenever the Capitals have looked into dumping his contract elsewhere, they haven't gotten very far because there was still term and Mantha was doing even worse than he is this season. If the Capitals have any hope of adding a player or two that can help this season, Mantha has to be moved. If Washington can't pull that off, there's no hope.