Sweet Deal: Detroit Red Wings Trade Mantha at NHL Trade Deadline

Detroit Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman worked the phones most of Monday, trying to find the right deal before the NHL Trade Deadline.

It came down to the final moments but Yzerman made the day’s biggest deal by trading Anthony Mantha to the Washington Capitals for forwards Richard Panik, Jakub Vrana, a 2021 first-round pick, and a 2022 second-round pick.

NHL insiders are suggesting a trade win for Yzerman. The Red Wings rid themselves of a high-priced player who has been dogged by work-ethic questions throughout his career and gain two proven forwards and additional draft assets.

The Red Wings’ co-leader with 10 goals, Mantha signed a 4-year, $22.8 million contract extension last offseason.

The Capitals certainly are investing a lot for a Stanley Cup run this summer.

During the trade deadline, Yzerman netted two NHL forwards, an AHL prospect, a first-round draft pick, a second-rounder, two fourth-rounders and a fifth-rounder.

Not a bad haul for Yzerman during a pandemic year when NHL finances are tight and scouting has been limited.

Red Wings Staying Put

In an attempt to fuel the Red Wings rebuild, several players were being offered by Yzerman. Everyone, but Mantha, is staying put.

It was reported by TSN Sports about 12 minutes before the deadline that Yzerman’s asking price for goalie Jonathan Bernier was “too high.”

Bernier, defenseman Marc Staal and forwards Luke Glendening and Darren Helm are unrestricted free agents this offseason.

GM Pulled Early Trades

Yzerman was busy reshaping the roster the past four days.

• On Sunday, he traded defenseman Jon Merrill to the Montreal Canadiens for prospect Hayden Verbeek and a 2021 fifth-round draft pick.
• On Saturday, the Red Wings received a 2021 fourth-round pick in a three-way deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets. The Red Wings lost minor-leaguer Brian Lashoff in the deal.
• On Friday, the Red Wings acquired a 2022 fourth-round draft pick from Colorado for defenseman Patrik Nemeth.

Yzerman won the day.