5'7 Rookie Officially Steals Capitals Roster Spot From 25-Goal Scorer
Nothing has gone right for Anthony Mantha these past years. He's gone from a top-six fixture in Detroit, to out of the lineup in Washington.
The once 25-goal scorer has now been replaced, despite his $5.8M salary, and will start the season on the bench. His successor? 5'7" Matthew Phillips.
Phillips Steals Mantha's Spot on the Capitals Roster
Many in the scouting and analytics community have had their eye on Phillips for years. The now 25-year-old, who has only played 3 NHL games in his seven years with the Calgary Flames organization, got a chance to bloom in Washington this off-season.
Fitting in Perfectly
He has already won the hearts of Capitals fans, both with his fantastic play, and his personality.
In a recent column from Washington Hockey Now, the fate that was expected by many, that Mantha would not make opening night, was confirmed:
Mantha's struggles in Washington have seemingly continued this preseason — a less than ideal scenario for both sides, especially as Mantha enters a contract year. I think he would be better served in an extras role, placing a little less pressure on him to turn things around. Plus, his versatility in being able to play both wing positions increases the Capitals' roster flexibility.
They project Phillips to play on the third line, despite having some nice chemistry with Alex Ovechkin earlier in the off-season.
The Montreal native Mantha will have to fight to get back into the good graces with the Capitals. For now, he will need to watch the undersized Phillips shine.
As Read on Washington Hockey Now - WASHINGTON CAPITALSPhillips In, Mantha Out: Predicting Capitals' Opening Night Roster, Lines
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 8 | 502 ANSWERS 5'7 Rookie Officially Steals Capitals Roster Spot From 25-Goal Scorer Who would you rather have on your roster? | ||
| Anthony Mantha | 190 | 37.8 % |
| Matthew Phillips | 312 | 62.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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