The Capitals’ latest player, Anthony Mantha, spoke about his comfortable arrival in Washington after the team’s morning skate on Tuesday.
Mantha said in his conversation with reporters that he was asleep when Red Wings’ deal with the Capitals was announced, and he slumbered through a call from Hockey Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman.
“I actually woke up to a text that said, ‘Call me, ASAP’ from Stevie,” Mantha said. “You just call him right away … He just told me, ‘I’m very lucky, and thank you so much for everything I did in Detroit.’
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Mantha, who was in Raleigh for Detroit’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes, went to the track to say goodbye to his teammates. He grabbed his equipment and then gave car service to DC.
“We are excited to have him,” said Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette. “He’s a big body. He has a lot of skill and a good chance. He can skate well. We are excited to get him here and get going. ”
Laviolette placed Mantha along with Nicklas Backstrom and TJ Oshie during practice on the Capitals’ second line.
“We think he’s a top-six forward,” Laviolette said. “This is a starting point. He also plays the right side. This is another starting point for tonight. ”
As for leaving a rebuilding team for one with Stanley Cup aspirations, Mantha could not contain his excitement.
“It’s great,” Mantha said. ‘I woke up from an afternoon nap, I was a new Capital member. They are currently first in the league. ”
Full transcript
What are your thoughts on coming to DC and joining this group?
Anthony Mantha: I’m excited. It was obviously a surprise yesterday. Waking up from a nap and suddenly I was traded. It was a busy day down here yesterday. Ready to go today. It’s going to be a fun trip.
You were in Raleigh when the trade took place. Did you just take up a car service?
Anthony Mantha: Fast car service. Dinner on the way and make it to the hotel.
Did the call wake you up from your nap?
Anthony Mantha: I actually missed the phone call. I actually woke up to a text that says “call me as soon as possible” from Stevie. You call him right away.
Did you talk to Steve Yzerman about why the team moved from you?
Anthony Mantha: We called quickly when I woke up before Detroit’s game last night. He just told me I traded, congratulations, and thank you for everything I did in Detroit.
How did you feel about the trade?
Anthony Mantha: Excitement. Surprise. I just signed an agreement in Detroit, so I thought I was going to stay there for a few more years. It’s part of hockey. It’s part of our lives. Here’s a fresh start and I’m excited to join the Caps.
You skate with Backstrom and Oshie. What type of event do you think will open up for you?
Anthony Mantha: This is going to be great. They are two good players. I’m excited to see what I can bring to their duo and hopefully click it right away and we score some tonight.
Are you comfortable on both wings?
Anthony Mantha: I’m comfortable on both wings.
You went from a team that would not make it to the playoffs, to one that has Stanley Cup aspirations. How does it feel to have the change?
Anthony Mantha: This is wonderful. I woke up from an afternoon nap, I was a new Capital member. They are currently first in the league. For me it’s a great opportunity, and of course a lot comes my way as I want to play hockey here.
What do you think you can bring to this team?
Anthony Mantha: I think I can bring a lot of transgressions here. The style of play the Caps play fits (my stuff). Clearly I’m excited. I’m going to play a big body, I’m going to shoot a lot of pucks and try to make good plays.
What is it like to be teammates with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom – two legends of the sport?
Anthony Mantha: This is going to be great. I’m probably going to learn a lot from them. This morning, of course, was the first exercise, but just watching them pass and shoot the shooter is just amazing to watch.
When the Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2018, they were a big heavy team. How do you think you fit into this group?
Anthony Mantha: I think I can play physically here. It’s clear I’m a big body. Try to bring some good one-on-one fights, win them, create a foul and shoot the bag. I have to take a few shots a night. The percentage is always on your side when you shoot, and you will hopefully score some points.
How was it just to deal with the immediate aftermath of the trade and say goodbye to Red Wings teammates you had known for a long time?
Anthony Mantha: It was difficult. I pitched up to the track just before they played just to say goodbye to everyone. I grab my gear and walk away. But these are guys I’ve had for four to six years, and I made good friends down there. Obviously it’s hard to leave a team, but I’m excited about what’s ahead.
How do you reflect on your time with Detroit? They set you up and it looked like you were going to be a big part of the rebuild.
Anthony Mantha: It’s hard to leave such a team. I had fond memories of the draft day until my last game. These are going to be memories that live on. I made good friends down there. I’ll probably be in Michigan for the summer, so I’ll see the guys again. From now on I’m a Caps player and I can not wait to see what lies ahead.
The playoffs are fast approaching. How long do you think this adjustment process will take?
Anthony Mantha: I will try to make it happen quickly. There are only a few games left in the regular season. I will try to print for a few days. A week or so. And try to get to know everyone better. Hopefully it goes fast.
Anthony Mantha: I will be honest, this is the first time I have traded in my hockey career. Even with juniors. I’ll just leave it at that. I’m a beautiful person. I think it’s going to be pretty easy to hang out with a few guys or something. I’ll leave it at that and hopefully it’s going fast.
Is it a relief to play new teams after leaving your division?
Anthony Mantha: This is a new challenge. In previous years, I played against all the guys: Pittsburgh, Boston, New York. It’s going to be exciting to see new faces out there. Many transactions have taken place over the past few days. To see new bodies in new places. It’s all going to be fun from here on out.
Have you had any conversations with the Capitals coach about expectations moving forward?
Anthony Mantha: Phone calls and just texting came in a lot yesterday, so I talked to the coaching staff a bit. The GM fast. Some players are texting me. Clearly, everyone just welcomed me. This morning I did a little more video session and stuff like that.
Can’t wait to see Mo from this guy on the ice#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/QwggGyXtEv
– Washington Capitals (@Capitals) 13 April 2021