In reading Khan's article, Blashill did not read like Mantha is his choice for a call up.
Didn't really get that vibe, and his only other 2 real options are suspended or hurt.
"I thought Anthony played well," Blashill said. "I liked the fact I thought he did a good job skating away from the puck, to get the puck or track back, and I thought he won battles. If Anthony Mantha does those things, he is going to be a real good NHL player in time. He looks an NHL guy with his size and skill set, he just has to continue to grow as a hockey player. I think he is gaining confidence, we have to be very careful to make sure he stays in a position where he can continue to gain confidence."
It does sound like Blash is saying they'd rather keep Mantha playing big minutes in GR.
Mantha should probably play the full season in Grand Rapids, I think he takes time to grow acclimated to more difficult competition.
Yeah a 2 game call up would be a pretty solid reward for really bouncing back this season and playing well. I really doubt 2 games would hurt his confidence though, just make sure he knows hes getting a 2 gme stint and going back down. That was after being demoted he'll know it wasnt because of poor play.
With Tangradi suspended and AA hurt, who else is an option? AA shouldnt come back from an injury straight into NHL action. I guess Callahan could get a call for the fourth line, hes been playing well down there. I would be very surprised if it wasnt Mantha or Callahan called up.
I would say Nosek is on the short list if need a bottom 6er. He might be ahead of Cally as well.
What's the best for a young player's confidence... get called up for 1 or 2 games and play very limited minutes and not close to scoring points or continue to play maximal minutes and producing many points in the AHL?
This. So many talented prospects are pressed into roles that they aren't ready for or not appropriate to fill. Moving Mantha up to what would be a 4th line winger role, where he would get 8 minutes of time, and asked to fill the role of a 4th liner and take his eye off of focusing on his scoring. If he meets some adversity (Which they all do at some point) where does that leave him?
Let him feast in the AHL. Let him build his confidence. Having him believe in himself that "I can do this and no one can stop me" is the best possible armor he could have when he is tossed into the grind of the NHL. To be the very best, you have to think you are the best and dominating the lower levels, will add to that psychological strength.
People need to stop acting like he is missing out on an opportunity to feast on AHL competition if he is called up. Both articles mention that the call-up will occur after Saturday's GR game. The AHL has all of next week off.
I think it will be Cally or Mantha, unless AA is healthy enough to play tonight.
You're seeing things. Neither goal was on Mantha.Last game Mantha scored 2 goals but completely floated on a horrible goal against. It was brutal and lazy. To me, that play alone whipped out the 2 goals he scored that game... and should disqualify him from being next call up to the NHL. He needs to stop being a lazy floater in the defensive zone. It was brutal!
Can't reward him for being lazy.
You're seeing things. Neither goal was on Mantha.