Anthony Mantha is a Detroit Red Wings first round draft pick. He was selected 20th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft.
Where he was
The 6’3.5″, 198 pound forward Mantha played with the Val-d’Or Foreurs in the QMJHL. Mantha had a great season as he played 67 games and reached the 50-goal mark and totaled 89 points. Mantha has all the tools the Red Wings look for in a player; he has a great skill set that separates him from other players in the draft class. While Mantha has been criticized for his defensive zone play, he is a pure goal scorer, and it’s not too often you get both.
Where he is now
Mantha is still playing with the Val-d’Or Foreurs. He has had a great season with the team, once again scoring 50 goals and to go along with 110 points in 52 games. Mantha has made some significant changes to his defensive game, as he is no longer considered such a defensive liability. Mantha has also upped his assist totals from last year’s 39 to 58 this season, a good improvement. While NHL prospects, especially ones drafted in the first round, are expected to put up huge numbers, Mantha is at the very least not taking a dreaded step back in terms of his production.
Accomplishments this season
Going into the 2014 World Juniors, Mantha seemed to be fighting for a roster spot, as one of the bubble players to play for Team Canada. After putting up a strong performance in the selection camp, Mantha was selected due to his offensive skills and improving defensive coverage, as well as imposing size. While Team Canada failed to medal for the second straight year, Mantha lead the team in goals with five and finished with a total of eleven points in seven games in Malmö, Sweden. It took only 46 games for Mantha to reach 100 points, which is a good sign of his junior dominance, although not unheard of for top CHL prospects.
One thing to recognize with Mantha is that he was only a few days away from being a 2012 NHL Draft eligible player, meaning that he was drafted after his third year of junior where most kids are drafted after their second year of junior. He will be AHL eligible next season, although he could challenge for a roster spot in training camp. One prospect to keep an eye on for sure.
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