Jeremy Laura: Mantha is at the table, Rasmussen to Austria

Mantha is not, will not, and can’t be a 40 goal scorer.

He’s worth 6.25m at the very most and more realistically 5.5m.

I’ve been a fan of Mantha for a while. If he can stay healthy, I see a huge break out year. Truth be told I wanted the Jets to get him in some kind of Trouba deal years ago but you guys were convinced you could just wait for Trouba to become a UFA.

You think they try to go for some of Tampa’s players after the Cup run? Tyler Johnson or Alex Killorn would look good in Red and White and Yzerman has those previous relationships.

You think they try to go for some of Tampa’s players after the Cup run? Tyler Johnson or Alex Killorn would look good in Red and White and Yzerman has those previous relationships.
- milly28diablo

They will if anyone waives the NTC to come to Detroit and if there’s a deal that makes sense.

I’ve been a fan of Mantha for a while. If he can stay healthy, I see a huge break out year. Truth be told I wanted the Jets to get him in some kind of Trouba deal years ago but you guys were convinced you could just wait for Trouba to become a UFA.
- Ross77

Trouba is overrated AF. Never wanted him.

Mantha is not, will not, and can’t be a 40 goal scorer.

He’s worth 6.25m at the very most and more realistically 5.5m.
- Feds91Stammer

He has a shot at 40 if he goes 82 games! 30+ is more likely. Detroit will ice a better team this year and if that 1st line is kept intact of Larkin, Bert and Tony, Mantha's goal production will benefit. A $6M x 5-6yr deal would be expected. Bert at $5.2M x 5 would be also in line.

LGRW!!!!

Trouba is overrated AF. Never wanted him.
- Feds91Stammer

I'll agree he was over rated and now over paid. But I would have liked him in Detrot at $6.25M AAV

I'll agree he was over rated and now over paid. But I would have liked him in Detrot at $6.25M AAV
- HenryHockey

That would have been palatable but not including the cost to acquire him.

He has a shot at 40 if he goes 82 games! 30+ is more likely. Detroit will ice a better team this year and if that 1st line is kept intact of Larkin, Bert and Tony, Mantha's goal production will benefit. A $6M x 5-6yr deal would be expected. Bert at $5.2M x 5 would be also in line.

LGRW!!!!
- HenryHockey

Using Manthas career shooting percentage he needs like 325 shots on goal to hit 40 goals and I don’t think he’s a high enough volume shooter for that.

Mantha is not, will not, and can’t be a 40 goal scorer.

He’s worth 6.25m at the very most and more realistically 5.5m.
- Feds91Stammer

I disagree. I do think better zone time control, more tip ins and stronger special teams all around could get him there. But, it’s on me if he doesn’t. You’re right. To date, he hasn’t shown it but still believe. Much love and respect. You always do your homework and it’s helped me a great deal. Keep it coming!!

They will if anyone waives the NTC to come to Detroit and if there’s a deal that makes sense.
- Feds91Stammer

Agree. I think once a player has won, they can afford to take that chance. I really want Johnson. He and Larkin would make such a difference up the middle.

He has a shot at 40 if he goes 82 games! 30+ is more likely. Detroit will ice a better team this year and if that 1st line is kept intact of Larkin, Bert and Tony, Mantha's goal production will benefit. A $6M x 5-6yr deal would be expected. Bert at $5.2M x 5 would be also in line.

LGRW!!!!
- HenryHockey

I tend to agree. Stammer is right that MO either needs to shoot a TON or increase his percentage. If you were to gamble, always ask feds first

I keep waiting for the Lloyd Christmas “shrimp on the barbie” gif....

trust yzerman fully. hes shown in tampy that he fully knows how to handle player contracts and trades. hes not like kenny. doesnt reward loyalty. pays players on performance and future performance.

trust yzerman fully. hes shown in tampy that he fully knows how to handle player contracts and trades. hes not like kenny. doesnt reward loyalty. pays players on performance and future performance.
- wingz4life

Agreed. Nice take brother

trust yzerman fully. hes shown in tampy that he fully knows how to handle player contracts and trades. hes not like kenny. doesnt reward loyalty. pays players on performance and future performance.
- wingz4life

Meh. Let’s hope he’s learned not to give out so many NTCs.

For me it depends what happens at the draft. If they get one of Stutzle/Byfield/Rossi, then i don't want Tyler Johnson or any other center signed for more than 1 or 2 years max. If they go for Drysdale/Sanderson or a winger then yes, they will need a center.

For defense, i would think Krug is going to end up overpaid for way too long. I would rather Yzerman go after Erik Gustafsson for a short term contract for what should be way less money than Krug. He's 6', 197 pounds (shoots left and can play left or right) so a bit bigger than Krug and did have a 17 goals, 60 point season with Chicago before last season. He's also a year younger than Krug.

In goal well i'm hoping for a young guy like Demko or Georgiev instead of some 30+ year old stop gap.

For me it depends what happens at the draft. If they get one of Stutzle/Byfield/Rossi, then i don't want Tyler Johnson or any other center signed for more than 1 or 2 years max. If they go for Drysdale/Sanderson or a winger then yes, they will need a center.

For defense, i would think Krug is going to end up overpaid for way too long. I would rather Yzerman go after Erik Gustafsson for a short term contract for what should be way less money than Krug. He's 6', 197 pounds (shoots left and can play left or right) so a bit bigger than Krug and did have a 17 goals, 60 point season with Chicago before last season. He's also a year younger than Krug.

In goal well i'm hoping for a young guy like Demko or Georgiev instead of some 30+ year old stop gap.
- dcz28

I’ll take Johnson regardless, simply because jumping into the NHL as a center is brutal. If our pick plays in the bigs this season, they are going to need some time and space. I think it’s more likely that they’ll spend the year in Europe or Jr (if applicable). It is a rare bird that can step right in and get the same minutes they would in jr. Tyler has 4 more years at 5 mil. That is time to get these kids ready to roll if any turns out to be a true #1 or #2. If you have that depth that T.J. can play third line, that is a serious luxury compared to what we have now.

I’ll take Johnson regardless, simply because jumping into the NHL as a center is brutal. If our pick plays in the bigs this season, they are going to need some time and space. I think it’s more likely that they’ll spend the year in Europe or Jr (if applicable). It is a rare bird that can step right in and get the same minutes they would in jr. Tyler has 4 more years at 5 mil. That is time to get these kids ready to roll if any turns out to be a true #1 or #2. If you have that depth that T.J. can play third line, that is a serious luxury compared to what we have now.
- Jeremy Laura

I think Rossi can step in right away as the 2nd line center. Stutzle probably can since he is use to playing against men. Byfield is the only one of the 3 i can't see play in the NHL next season unless you want a Rasmussen type of rookie season from him.

Johnson is signed way too long and i wouldn't want him at that price centering the 3rd line when you possibly could have Veleno/Rasmussen doing it for way cheaper and not being blocked by TJ.

I think Rossi can step in right away as the 2nd line center. Stutzle probably can since he is use to playing against men. Byfield is the only one of the 3 i can't see play in the NHL next season unless you want a Rasmussen type of rookie season from him.

Johnson is signed way too long and i wouldn't want him at that price centering the 3rd line when you possibly could have Veleno/Rasmussen doing it for way cheaper and not being blocked by TJ.
- dcz28

Ok, I respect where you’re at. I’d still take T.J. because he can move up and down. I honestly think Yzerman will most likely assign our pick elsewhere. Seider looked really good, but the atmosphere is not great for development. Seider has a legitimate shot, but the GM seems to err on the side of development right now. Still, good take and I really appreciate your passion on this! Keep it coming

I think Rossi can step in right away as the 2nd line center. Stutzle probably can since he is use to playing against men. Byfield is the only one of the 3 i can't see play in the NHL next season unless you want a Rasmussen type of rookie season from him.

Johnson is signed way too long and i wouldn't want him at that price centering the 3rd line when you possibly could have Veleno/Rasmussen doing it for way cheaper and not being blocked by TJ.
- dcz28

No point of wasting an ELC year for whoever they pick.

No point of wasting an ELC year for whoever they pick.
- Feds91Stammer

I agree. It’s also a mad scramble of a season. Condensed? Chaotic? Not the best way to break in

I agree. It’s also a mad scramble of a season. Condensed? Chaotic? Not the best way to break in
- Jeremy Laura

Ek says there might be double headers next season. Odds are most Red Wings players are better at playing baseball than they are at playing hockey. 👍

Ek says there might be double headers next season. Odds are most Red Wings players are better at playing baseball than they are at playing hockey. 👍
- gergeswillems

It’s. Short walk to Comerica Park. Why not?