The Caps' GM gave a strange explanation for why he pulled off the Jakub Vrana trade

BarDown Staff

Capitals acquire Mantha in blockbuster trade

The NHL’s trade deadline was pretty mundane overall, UNTIL the Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings pulled off the deal of the year, seemingly out of nowhere.

With essentially no time left before the final buzzer, The Caps sent forward Jakub Vrana, along with Richard Panik, a first overall pick, and second overall pick in exchange for 2013 20^th overall pick Anthony Mantha. The trade came as a surprise considering Washington leads the Eastern division and Vrana has been a solid contributor offensively, but there was more than meet the eye to the average hockey fan with this one.

Speaking on the trade, Caps general manager Brian MacLellan explained that Vrana’s body language was one of the main reasons the team sent him packing, noting that he was visibly frustrated. The decision was no made easily, either.

Caps GM Brian MacLellan said he saw a "frustrated player" re Jakub Vrana. Body language read as frustrated. Team gave it time to try and work out -- ended up moving on.

"There was a tugging war between coaching staff and staffs that have had him and the way he was playing."
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) April 12, 2021

Body language… were there no verbal discussions over how he was feeling? We’re sure there were, but interesting that none were mentioned. MacLellan also noted Vrana’s upcoming rfa status played a role in the move, pointing out Mantha’s cost certainty in the deal. The latter is under contract for a reasonable $5.7 million through the 2023-24 season, a number that could prove to be a bargain if the 26-year-old reaches his goal-scoring potential.

MacLellan also mentioned Vrana's RFA status w/ arb rights as another factor in the deal: "He's got some good numbers. Projecting that salary, we get some cost certainty with Mantha so we know what his contract is. That played a factor in it, yes."
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) April 12, 2021

Vrana and Mantha’s offensive production has been similar over the past two seasons, and Panik’s $2.750 million salary is one the contenting Caps don’t need to worry about anymore. The 1^st and 2^nd round picks, however, were surprising pieces to see included in the deal. It’s going to be VERY interesting to see how this one pans out.

(H/T Samantha Pell)