Capitals Trade Rumors: 3 Suitors For Anthony Mantha As Talks Heating Up

For the better part of the last two seasons, the Washington Capitals have been looking for a taker for forward Anthony Mantha. Now, with time running out on his expiring $5.7 million AAV contract, and with Mantha riding a hot streak, it appears that the Capitals' plans may finally come to fruition.

Multiple insiders have reported that trade talks for the former first-rounder are heating up. Insider Jeff Marek noted Monday morning that Mantha's recent run has "done himself a lot of good when it comes to finding a new home... He's having a real good season, he's scoring goals this year."

"He's gotten hot at the right time," agreed Elliotte Friedman, "and there's gonna be someone who's gonna say, we're going to take a chance because he's playing for his next deal, and he'll be highly motivated."

Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has also reported that Mantha should be on the move as we approach the trade deadline later next week. He also lists three teams that have shown interest:

Toronto Maple Leafs

They've had some recent offense from their bottom six, most notably Bobby McMann, but the Leafs are still in the market for an offensive boost from outside the top-six, and Mantha could work, as long as the Caps retain a nice piece of his salary.

Colorado Avalanche

A Cup contender that's been looking for some help up front, if Mantha is able to continue finding the net, he'd help the Avs as well, though again, cap space is at a premium and Washington would need to offer some retention.

Edmonton Oilers

Oilers GM Ken Holland is quite familiar with Mantha, having drafted him with the 20th overall pick in 2013 for the Detroit Red Wings. And the Oilers are looking for a goal-scoring winger for Leon Draisaitl on the second line.

It's been a nice bounce-back season for Mantha, with 18 goals in 52 games, his best production in five years—all in less than 14 minutes of ice time per night.

The fact that he showed some serious toughness this weekend also didn't hurt his trade value: