In realizing Detroit is facing a difficult season, I’d like to add some levity and positivity with an occasional “on the bright side” post. There are several reasons to be excited this season and looking ahead. The first, and easiest, is looking at the development of Anthony Mantha.

It’s hard to believe that it has been six years since Detroit drafted the 6’5” forward. At 20th overall. From the moment “Mo” put on the Winged Wheel, there was interest in acquiring him around the league. We’ll never know specifics, but pundits will opine that Ken Holland was being “low balled” by teams who wanted to bring the big winger into the fold.

Injuries seemed to surround Mantha, which led to his later pick in the first round. He was a premiere scorer in junior certainly. 81 goals in 81 games. Not bad. However, the skills don’t always translate. Last year, at the end of the 18-19 season, it seemed that Mantha had found the formula for success. The line that placed him with Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi seemed to be a bright spot in a year that saw the Red Wings place 29th in the league. I wondered if the chemistry that line found could translate into success in the upcoming season. So far, it looks good.

With 5 goals and 2 assists in 3 games, Mantha has had an incredible start to the year. Of 10 total team goals, he has been part of 7 of them. It seems that Mantha is the long sought after replacement for Johan Franzen, whose career ended tragically and far too soon. I would argue that Mantha is a better skater, as his speed seems to surprise opposing defenses. His stride is long and deceptive. To Anthony’s credit, he took advantage of a hand injury and trained last season with a skating coach at a time when he couldn’t handle the puck. He requested permission to leave the team and train in Montreal. Impressive drive, and it paid off.

A rough game against Anaheim on 10/8 probably soured the top line. A beautifully executed goal by the Larkin line was called back due to an offside. However, seeing the skill with which they executed still leaves the positive impression. These kids want to be on the scoresheet every single night. They expect to be there and are angry when they aren’t. It feels like it’s been a long time since Detroit has had someone with that demanding nature. The hunger is there, and the talent is growing. The ceiling for the potential of Mantha’s 19-20 campaign is set high. With good health and consistent play, Detroit may have found its first 40 goal scorer in more than a decade.

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