Washington Capitals Grades: Top 3 duds of 2021 season

#2 Anthony Mantha

When the Capitals first traded Richard Panik and Jakub Vrana to the Red Wings for Anthony Mantha, I was very skeptical of it. During the first four games of Mantha’s time with the Caps, we all thought we were proven wrong.

Mantha became the first Capital ever to score goals in his first four games. He had a goal in each game. After that, he disappeared especially in the playoffs. And when he appeared he made dumb mistakes.

In five playoff games he had just wo assist. He also had six penalty minutes while averaging 17:36 of ice time. What baffled me was that he was playing on the second line when he belonged on the third. He also played over guys like Daniel Sprong.

Meanwhile, let’s take a look at how Jakub Vrana is doing. Vrana played in 39 games had had a respectable 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points. But what hurt him was being healthy scratched by Peter Laviolette. Even if the Caps had kept him he wouldn’t have wanted to re-sign here this summer.

With the Red Wings, Vrana had eight goals and three assists for 11 points in 11 games. I think I know who won that trade.