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What Trading for Anthony Mantha Means for the Vegas Golden Knights's Future

Anthony Mantha is headed to Sin City! What does it mean for the future of the Vegas Golden Knights? Will Vegas make another deal?

By Jacob Walters |
Washington Capitals v Montreal Canadiens
Washington Capitals v Montreal Canadiens / Minas Panagiotakis/GettyImages
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The Vegas Golden Knights are slumping HARD. They've gained points in three of their last ten games, giving way to the Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division. So what does general manager Kelly McCrimmon do? He gets forward Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals for a 2024 2nd-round draft pick and a 2026 4th-round pick.

The prayers of Vegas Golden Knights fans everywhere have been answered. McCrimmon responded in kind, getting a forward who's scored 20 goals in 56 games this season. No longer are you relying on Henderson Silver Knights or regular bodies to fill the void. Now the 29-year-old is coming in, making the Golden Knights lineup more NHL-worthy.

But what does that bode for the future of the Golden Knights? What about the draft picks sent over to Washington? Will Vegas make another move and part with more picks? Here's what it means for the future of the Golden Knights.

1. The Vegas Golden Knights Can Make Another Move

Arizona Coyotes v Washington Capitals
Arizona Coyotes v Washington Capitals / Patrick Smith/GettyImages

The big news from the Anthony Mantha trade is the Vegas Golden Knights are only paying for 50% of Mantha's salary. By salary, we're talking $2.85 million saved on Vegas's end. That's a big deal considering they're still in play for players like Frank Vatrano or another solid forward.

With Mark Stone going on LTIR, the Golden Knights have space to make an additional move at forward. Finally, Vegas has goal scorers that mean business. No more AHL-level players for the remainder of the season, for you have veteran forwards instead of warm bodies.

2. The Vegas Golden Knights Are All In

Vegas Golden Knights v Columbus Blue Jackets
Vegas Golden Knights v Columbus Blue Jackets / Jason Mowry/GettyImages

With rumors swirling that the Vegas Golden Knights are looking at another forward, it seems they're putting all their chips in like they're playing Texas Hold 'Em. More picks are likely to be swapped, specifically if it's for a bigger name.

While the Golden Knights are mortgaging their future to remain competitive, with it closing more with players like Alec Martinez breaking down. However, their Stanley Cup window is still open. Acquiring Anthony Mantha means Vegas wants to win one more Stanley Cup, even with more draft picks going out the window.

3. Anthony Mantha Won't Be On the Books Next Season

New Jersey Devils v Washington Capitals
New Jersey Devils v Washington Capitals / Scott Taetsch/GettyImages

Unless the Quebec native does extremely well and forces McCrimmon's hand on an extension, the Vegas Golden Knights won't worry about Anthony Mantha's salary next season, for he's a rental. That leaves the door open for a Jonathan Marchessault extension or any corresponding move.

With the NHL's salary cap set to jump by $4.2 million in 2024-2025, such moves are still on the table. You can keep the core around and possibly explore extending the former Detroit Red Wing if he exceeds expectations. With Mantha on board, the Golden Knights can remain competitive this season and possibly the next.

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