The problem with Mantha is that his big problem with Detroit seems to be -- inconsistency and a lack of competitiveness at times. [size=78%]So have we traded Ferrari Vrana for 18-wheeler Vrana? [/size]
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[/size][size=78%]Maybe the Caps suspect that Mantha was getting frustrated by Detroit's lack of recent success, and they figure he will be reinvigorated by the change of scenery. It isn't that Mantha is a big hitter or fighter or anything. I think the price was awfully high, but the prevailing attitude was that the Caps were willing to do whatever it takes to make a splash in the playoffs this year. I'd be happier with the trade if Glendening were coming back in addition to Mantha, but I guess what is, is.[/size]
I keep hearing about the Caps being all in for the Cup again this year, but I don't think that they can be considered anything more than a wildcard in the Stanley Cup playoffs as long as they have zero playoff experience in goal. We really have no clue what we are going to get in net when the regular season ends.
So Mantha is seen as a top 6 scoring winger. If he and Wilson are the top 6 right wings, that would seem to move Oshie down to the 3rd line. Maybe not a bad idea in a way, since Oshie is considered a good defensive player, but the problem is that his offensive output figures to drop off playing with Eller, who has never been a great playmaker. It isn't clear to me that the Caps are upgrading themselves scoring-wise at all.
Maybe they want to try and win the cup by scaring everyone to death with bulk.