Report: Capitals Have 'Openly Engaged Teams' About Both Kuznetsov & Mantha

The Capitals are reportedly telling clubs that both Kuznetsov and Mantha are up for discussion.

Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan has some tough decisions to make regarding Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha, and per reports, he's gauging interest from across the league as he ponders both of their futures in D.C.

Per The Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, MacLellan has shared with teams that both Kuznetsov and Mantha are on the block.

"The Capitals have openly engaged teams about the availability of both Kuznetsov and Mantha, looking to shake things up and crease some salary cap flexibility in the process," Seravalli wrote.

Kuznetsov and Mantha are both coming off of what MacLellan openly referred to as "disappointing" seasons in D.C.

While Kuznetsov had 55 points, his points-per-game rate was the lowest in his career since his sophomore year, and he also failed to put up a consistent effort and underperformed following a bounceback 2021-22 campaign that saw him put up 78 points in 79 games.

Though Kuznetsov has the talent and ability to be among the NHL's elite, his value isn't the highest at the moment, considering his play and on and off-ice issues over the years as well as the two years left on his contract at $7.8 million. Not only that, but there's a cthe hallenge of getting a quality return. With Nicklas Backstrom's future also in question, Washington would need to land a top-6 caliber center in return for Kuznetsov in order to maintain depth down the middle.

Meanwhile, Mantha, who was playing his first fully healthy season with the Capitals, underwhelmed with just 11 goals and 16 assists through 67 games. He had several chances but couldn't finish on them and also struggled to find consistency, as well as confidence following a number of healthy scratches.

The 28-year-old took full accountability for his struggles and hired a mental coach to help with his confidence. Also, he said that if he gets the chance to come back, he would be on a mission to prove that he still has a lot to contribute. In addition, new head coach Spencer Carbery added that he has a plan in place to help Mantha reach his highest potential.

LIke Kuznetsov, Mantha's trade value isn't the highest, though he only has a year left on his deal worth $5.7 million.

Whether both will be back or not will certainly factor into what's available in return. The Capitals won't make a move just to make a move, and for both, a deal has to make sense.