Anthony Mantha, Washington Capitals (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Washington Capitals will be returning 99 percent of their same lineup from last season, however, that doesn’t mean this upcoming season’s X-factor isn’t an unfamiliar face. That’s exactly who will be an X-factor this upcoming season. It’ll be trade deadline acquisition Anthony Mantha.
Mantha is a versatile forward who could slot in the second or third line. Expect him to take the second line when the Caps open up the season on Oct. 13 against the New York Rangers. Mantha made an immediate impact in the lineup after the team brought him on at the trade deadline, scoring a goal in four straight games before being held off the scoresheet since.