Like most here, would like to see Mantha and Kuznetsov gone. But when to move them is the question. I'm inclined to take a wait and see approach on this and see how they perform under Spencer Carberry.
Both of these players have a prove it season approaching. They can't blame the coach, the onus will be on them. Not that either player needs motivation, but Mantha is in his contract year so it's time for him to put up.
I think the talk of BMAC "dangling" both of these players on the trade market is yes to see what their current value is but also to go back to the players and their agents and say hey we made you available but this is how you are presently valued within the league. Perhaps another motivational ploy by BMAC.
Again take a wait and see approach and perhaps their value will increase come the TDL.
It's risky, with both of them. Obviously the reward would be huge if they both came back to their old levels, but if they stay as-is then that's not a trade you can make mid-season so you are stuck with 1 unhappy enigmatic top-line center and a lazy overpaid floater for the whole season. Not exactly ideal.
GMBM needs to make his mind and decide which of the options to take. I think the first part this summer is easy, you wait and see if someone is willing to give you (even) decent value back.
If (and when) there likely isn't a solid offer on the table, there is a tough choice to make. Do you bite the bullet and take the L and accept bad value (or pay someone) to get rid of the problems? Or do you keep them and hope they bounce back? It's impossible to know whether they will. Their issues are well known, for both. Mantha is easy to motivate. It's his career earnings on the line. With Kuznetsov if he is to stay then perhaps it's to try and motivate him by telling him to work his ass off until february and promise him that if he does that and they are still out of it, he'll get traded, period. Atleast in that scenario there is great value for both parties as Kuznetsov gets to play the Playoff games, the hockey he actually he enjoys. Whether it's here or somewhere else. And with the Capitals there is more value to be had in that scenario. If Kuznetsov plays well and we still suck then it's painfully obvious that it's time to continue the re-tool. I think in this scenario i'd push heavily to see what the market is for Kuznetsov with full salary retention, even if that would cover up the season after, too. That would be great value for Playoff contenders.
I don't envy the task in hand for GMBM. Hopefully there is a GM out there that is willing to bank on Kuznetsov coming back to form next season and trades for him in the summer.
