“It will be complicated, I think,” said Anthony Mantha when it came to discussing how he thinks his negotiations will go with the Detroit Red Wings. If it were about signing a one-year deal now and trying to get a long-term deal in the summer of 2020-21, it might be different. But, because he wants a long-term deal now, things aren’t exactly black and white.
According to Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News Mantha said, “I want to be here for the long term. I would love it, that’s for sure. We’ll see what they offer this summer.” The only problem with that is, injuries have kept him from reaching his full potential. As such, it’s harder to determine a fair value on a lengthy extension.
Mantha said he’ll focus on what he can control in order to get that long-term deal. “My power is to play hockey. My agent and Stevie are going to talk, maybe they’ve started. I don’t even know.” He added that he’s aware his lack of games could pose delays in contract talks. “It’s hard to base right now. I played 40 games this year. I missed so many games, so it’s hard to go for the extension before the end of the year.” That means, waiting until this summer to get something done if both sides can.
Mantha could potentiall earn more money if he re-signed with the Detroit Red Wings not this offseason but next. A healthy 2020-21 campaign could prove he’s worthy of being the team’s highest-paid player. He may get that anyway, if GM Steve Yzerman thinks his impressive points-per-game numbres are sustainable.
Certainly, for Yzerman, getting Mantha extended will be a priority. It will be an interesting story to watch if a long-term deal becomes a sticking point for the player.
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