Quote:
Originally Posted by stemit14
What should Mantha and Kuzmenko each return at the TDL? I would be surprised if either of them returned more than a 3rd round pick. And that’s fine. I was not expecting much of a market for streaky wingers that would likely play as middle six forwards. Wingers rarely return much in trade when they are just rentals unless they of the elite level. For either Kuzmenko or Mantha to return more than a 3rd, they would have to play at a high level that neither of them have really shown before with much consistency.
I like Kuzmenko’s skill set and the positive attitude he brings to the team but, if I were to guess, I think he will end up back in the KHL next year.
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I can't see a contending team giving up too much for a "specialized" guy like Kuzmenko, and I can't see him getting the necessary ice-time to move the needle on a team like that. In the last 5 games, he's spent time riding the pine with no points- so perhaps the honeymoon is coming to a close.
Mantha won't return a first, but it will be interesting to see what he'll return- he got Washington a 2nd and a 4th when he went to Vegas. His work ethic ebbs and flows wildly, but even in his worst seasons since 2016-17, he's had the output of a 40-50 point power-forward (who doesn't always play like a power-forward). This season, he's tied for 4th in scoring on the team (and 1st in plus/minus), keeping pace with Kadri, Coleman, and Kuzmenko.