Perd Hapley
Ya Heard With Perd
- Jul 9, 2010
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Apparently I'm not executing my argument properly, which is that the Wings will not give Mantha an NHL roster spot based on his Q domination as a 19 year old.
He has good speed, a great shot, and is a beast in terms of his physicality relative to his peers. I also think the "laziness/inconsistency" problem is overblown. But does he have dominant numbers against men? Is he useful in any respect if he isn't on a top two skilled line? Is he the speediest guy on the ice such that he's a force at the NHL level? Is his shot so good that Brett Hull would quiver? No, no, no and no.
Look - I love Mantha's game. I can't remember the last time I was this stoked about a Red Wings prospect. I could honestly see him as the next Corey Perry. But I'm not looking at his career as a fan of hockey; I'm looking at his career as a fan of the Wings. And without a complete game such that he is a clear fit on a 3rd NHL at worst, then it will be a surefire no-go with respect to him seeing steady NHL time next year.
I agree that while he is the most promising prospect we've had in probably a decade, there's no way he starts the season in Detroit next year. He could very well have a great preseason but I still think Holland starts him in GR to get him acclimated to the pro game and work on his two way game like he always does. Then he'll have to outplay Pulkkinen and possibly Jurco to be the first call up on the wing so while I do think he will get a few NHL games next year but it won't be full time with how overloaded we'll be with forwards especially if Alfie comes back.