Fans of the Detroit Red Wings should demand an explanation from Jimmy Devellano on Anthony Mantha. After seeing 2013 first-round draft pick Mantha’s lackluster play with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins in 2015, Devellano criticized Mantha, saying that he was disappointing. The club’s supporters were quick to criticize Devellano for what he said. Some thought he was being too hard on a rookie player who had just gone professional. Even after all this time has passed, Mantha’s erratic career continues to prove Devellano correct. In his role as an NHL player, Mantha falls short. As for his most recent NHL squad, he has already let them down.
The Vegas Golden Knights have notified Mantha that they will not be giving a contract to the next undrafted free agent, according to RDS, the French-language version of TSN. The Golden Knights acquired the player after the trade deadline. After only two games into their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars, Vegas decided that Mantha would be better served by sitting in the press box as a healthy scratch. Mantha was traded to the Golden Knights by the Washington Capitals. Mantha was essentially the same frustrating player with the Capitals as he had been with the Red Wings for years. He was the 20th player selected in the 2013 NHL entry draft, and there were moments when he delivered on his promise.
Then again, the team’s elite would be furious with his erratic performance and flagging motivation when he leaves. Whether he was a healthy scratch or playing for Washington, Mantha would often find himself slaving away on the fourth line. If Mantha would only commit to becoming a net-front presence, the Red Wings in Detroit thought he could score 30 goals. The Red Wings’ coach, Jeff Blashill, even showed Mantha footage of James van Riemsdyk, the team’s net-front maestro, in action. Contrarily, Mantha preferred not to travel to such place. On occasion, he would spend an entire game without taking a shot; in fact, this happened far too often for a player of his caliber. Blashill was irritated by his inconsistent behavior. He once remarked that Mantha had to be “way, way better” while he was in charge. Even as he prepares to start the search for his fourth NHL club, 29-year-old Mantha still fits that description.
