Detroit Red Wings: 5 potential 15-goal scorers in 2021
By Bob Heyrman
Anthony Mantha
The 26-year old power forward recently signed a four-year deal that averages $5.7 million per season. Anthony Mantha remains the Detroit Red Wings’ top scoring threat but has been hampered by injuries throughout his professional career.
Mantha has broken his hand twice during altercations, oddly both during fights with players who’d later become a teammate of his. The first time was in a scrap with Luke Witkowski and the second with current teammate Patrik Nemeth.
Mantha has been a regular in Detroit’s lineup over the last four years and has only played 80 games one time. Over the last four seasons, Mantha has averaged 62 games per season, totaling 82 goals, adding 88 assists totaling 170 points in just over 17 minutes of work per night.
The large 6-foot-5 winger recorded back-to-back 48 point campaigns in 2017 through 2019; in both of those years, Mantha recorded 24 and 25 goals. In ’17-18, Mantha played 80 games, but in ’18-19, Mantha notched those 25 goals in just 67 games. He’s yet to really break out as a professional, but after landing a lucrative four-year deal this past offseason, he may just spread his wings and thrive knowing he’s a firm part of the Red Wings’ future.
If Mantha can remain healthy, he’ll be a sure-bet to record 15 goals for Detroit in 2021.