Golden Knights acquire Anthony Mantha in a trade with the Capitals

Washington Capitals right wing Anthony Mantha (39) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)(AP/Jess Rapfogel)

The Vegas Golden Knights acquired Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals in a trade finalized Tuesday.

The defending Stanley Cup champions sent a 2024 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder to Washington for the pending free agent winger. The Capitals are retaining half of Mantha’s salary.

Mantha just reached 20 goals in a season for the first time since 2019. He gives Vegas a valuable depth player as it tries to become the first repeat title winner since Pittsburgh in 2016 and ’17.

The 29-year-old was one of several likely trade candidates the Capitals have to move before the deadline Friday. Fellow forwards Max Pacioretty and Nicolas Aube-Kubel and defenseman Joel Edmundson are also pending free agents expected to be traded, along with center Nic Dowd and goaltender Charlie Lindgren, who are signed through next season.

The Golden Knights may also not be done dealing as they seek to make another long playoff run. After putting captain Mark Stone on long-term injured reserve, they have more cap space to use on acquisitions.

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