Mantha has easily been one of the Red Wings best forwards this season and this is a questionable decision considering they are out of the playoff race. Mantha said that the decision was due to his “compete” level. Mitch Callahan will replace him in the lineup.
Mantha, 22, has been off to a great start in Grand Rapids, scoring eight goals with two assists (10 points) in the first 10 games of the season. In 10 NHL games a season ago, Mantha collected two goals and one assist. He has been recalled because Andreas Athanasiou has been placed on IR with a lower-body injury. Mantha should make his season debut on Saturday.
Mantha made a strong case to make the Red Wings’ opening night roster, scoring three goals in five preseason games, but the Red Wings’ deep forward group will force Mantha to start the year in the AHL. The 22-year-old had 21 goals and 24 assists (45 points) in 60 games with the Griffins last season.
Martha, 21, was the 20th overall pick in 2013 and has had a strong season with Grand Rapids. The 6-foot-5 winger has picked up 45 points (21G / 24 A) in 56 games after posting just 33 points in his first season with the Griffins. The Red Wings offence has been sputtering as of late, so an infusion of size and skill upfront might be exactly what they need.
Mantha has been sidelined since mid-September with a fractured tibia. He has been cleared to do some practice drills this week and the Red Wings are hoping he will make his pro hockey debut with Grand Rapids in a couple of weeks. The Red Wings are always patient with their prospects so Mantha will have to get his feet wet with the Griffins, before he can even consider making his NHL debut.
Mantha, 20, is the reigning CHL player of the year after scoring 57 goals and 63 assists (120 points) in 57 games with Val d'Or (QMJHL). Mantha had a great chance to make the Red Wings out of training camp, but now will likely start in the AHL when he returns in late-October/early-November.
Detroit selected Mantha with the 20th pick at this year's NHL entry draft. He scored 50 goals and 39 assists in 67 games with Val d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL) last season. He has been off to a hot start this year as well, 13 goals and 10 assists (23 points) in eight games (first in QMJHL).
