No doubt in recent weeks, Detroit Red Wings fans have been once again
questioning management. Having re-signed Mike Green and Tomas Vanek during free
 agency, they seemed to be heading in a more "road-worn" direction. Not a
moment too soon, Detroit announced they also came to terms with Andreas
Athanasiou and Anthony Mantha.

Primarily with the re-signing of Mantha, the Wings are creating a balancing
between veteran players and future leaders. Though bringing on the "old guys"
even for a short-term contract, seemed to confuse many people, it makes sense.
Through Mantha and the other youngsters that are expected to be signed like
Larkin, Holland is ensuring the next two seasons are leader-creating.Detroit
Red Wings right wing Anthony Mantha (Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports)

Mantha has had a tricky time treading the NHL waters in recent seasons but is
still capable of vast improvement. Jeff Blashill, head coach of the Red Wings,
saw Mantha's struggle for a consistent drive and took drastic measures in
benching him for several games. A risky move for a player who was then on the
top line, Mantha got the memo and upped his game. "Obviously, it';s hard not
being in the lineup," he told Ansar Khan of MLive, "Obviously, you want to play
 every single game, you want to be an impact player on this team. For sure, I
need to use it in a positive way and come back stronger."Mantha is Capable of
Tangible Contributions

Mantha has the ability to be a very strong two-way player both with technique
and size. While with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), he posted 33 and 45
points during his two full seasons, using his large body and fast feet. Mantha
has the ability to make his on-ice efforts tangible, but the NHL is a different
 animal than the AHL. Coach Blashill made sure Mantha understood that during
his stay on the bench.

"You have to be on your 'A'; game every night in this league. In other leagues,
 you get to a point where you';re just better than people, so even if you';re
not on your 'A'; game you still have success. That never happens in this
league. Even the very best players have to be on their 'A'; game every night in
 order to really be successful."

After his disciplinary stent, Mantha worked harder on and off the ice to prove
his worth. Vying for the top line spot which he was replaced in by young star,
Athanasiou, Mantha saw it as a challenge to embrace.Henrik Zetterberg, Gustav
Nyquist and Anthony Mantha, Detroit Red Wings, December 20, 2017 (Amy Irvin /
The Hockey Writers)

Fast forward to the present and it's clear that the Wings saw the improvement
they were looking for in Mantha. Officially called up in the 2016-17 season,
Mantha has been working hard to make sure his on-ice efforts continue to show
his value as a player. In 2016-17, he posted 36 points in 60 games and 48
points in 80 games during the 2017-18 season. Following his unfortunate time on
 the bench, Anthony has shown year-over-year improvement almost
immediately.Signing Mantha Creates Future Opportunity

Gaining strength physically and mentally in the last two seasons, Anthony has
shown the Red Wings that he can be molded and challenged for the betterment of
the team. Detroit's re-signing of Mantha comes at a critical time in his career
 - which we are now the beneficiaries of. Anthony has a strong disposition to
match his physique which is ideal when playing on a top line in the NHL.

Aside from Mantha's abilities, the Wings have positioned themselves in a way
that will allow them to comfortably monitor his progress and decide over the
next two seasons if he's to become one of the foundation pieces to the new
team. Mantha is very young, only 23, and upon entering free-agency at the end
of the two season extension, he'll still be young enough to be a feasible
long-term contract contender according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free
 Press.

"It gives him an opportunity to build his resume in advance of what could next
be a long-term deal, and gives the Wings a chance to further evaluate Mantha
before deciding how far to extend him past unrestricted free agency."

During this extension period, Mantha has the opportunity to put himself in a
leadership role once older players start making their way out. Larkin is likely
 a front-runner for the captaincy if/when Zetterberg retires, however, Anthony
could easily earn the Alternate title.Mantha Adds Youthful Vigor to Experienced
 Team

Holland has made a wise choice in getting Mantha to re-sign. He's a young
player with the capacity to take instruction, perhaps a little harder than
others. Watching him in Grand Rapids and seeing him adjust to the demands of
the NHL is encouraging. He has the strength to power through lines and be
aggressive along the boards. Combining Mantha's current and potential power
with 'Double-A'; and ideally 'Larks';, the Wings will develop a youthful yet
experienced core future leadership group. Mantha also has more experience in
the AHL that will come in handy when the Griffins' youngsters are ready to be
pulled up.Anthony Mantha (Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports)

Development is key in these next couple of seasons, adding to the veteran
ability of Mike Green and Tomas Vanek with Mantha and Athanasiou will create a
healthy balance of talent and experience. Despite a wave of naysayers with the
signing of the "old guys," the cost-effective youth options are setting up the
future leadership of the Red Wings nicely. Allowing room for growth and
observation, signing Mantha will give the Wings versatility and options. He's
shown the ability to take criticism, implement change and put in the work to
earn a top spot. Mantha's return to the Red Wings will lead to a higher level
of expectation from the younger generation and future culture of the team.

The post Red Wings'; Mantha Helps Balance Roster appeared first on The Hockey
Writers.

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