Last week, The Fourth Period reported that the Red Wings were engaging in contract negotiations with restricted free agent forward Anthony Mantha, and today, The Athletic’s Craig Custance confirms the news:
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has been taking care of business and made it clear that Detroit is willing to add salary to acquire more young assets for the rebuild. One thing that will help clarify how much he can spend on that front is a new contract for restricted free agent Anthony Mantha. Talks have progressed on that front and are moving in the right direction. It wouldn’t be surprising if that contract is shorter than originally thought. If he were to do a, let’s say, three-year extension, that would allow him to hit free agency before he’s 30 and in a time where there should be more clarity on the financial landscape of the league.
Continued (paywall); given the financial uncertainty around the league, as well as Mantha’s injury history, I’m not expecting him to sign a long-term deal.
