Anthony Mantha gets brutally honest about his NHL future
The struggling winger was benched multiple times last season.
HockeyFeed
Washington Capitals forward Anthony Mantha hasn't come close to living up to the expectations of the four year contract that he signed with the Detroit Red Wings prior to the 2020-21 NHL season. Less than a season into the deal, Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman shipped him to Washington, where he would soon draw the ire of now-former head coach Peter Laviolette.
He was called out multiple times and even designated a healthy scratch on a handful of occasions by Laviolette, and his career is truly entering a crossroads with Washington having missed the postseason. The 27 points in 67 games played were by far the lowest statistical output for him in a near full NHL season.
Mantha knows that the clock is ticking, and he's been putting in work this summer in order to try and be at his best in 2023-24.
“I find that I was not present and involved enough for my team,” Mantha said. “Points, hits, and all the little details. I want to be ready this year to accomplish them.
“My personal goal is 60 points this year and then to sign a long-term contract somewhere. I must have a big season – this is the last year of my contract and I would like to bounce back. It’s practically a second chance after last season. I had other less good seasons in the NHL or AHL so I know how to come back strong.”
Mantha also stated that he's been working with trainer trainer Stephane Dube along with Jean-Francois Gaudreau, and has already dropped 10 pounds.
“Weight loss, [it’s] a question of being faster next season,” Mantha said. “I found that I was missing a small notch in my game on that side. To be stronger and leaner and to be more explosive [is what I’m aiming for].
“I found it a little too heavy,” Mantha said of last year's playing weight of 242 pounds. “My goal is 232. I still have a few pounds to lose, but we have time.”
Is Mantha going to be able to bounce back with Washington this season in what will be the last year of his contract?
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