I think Mantha(with a little experience in the league) is going to be a good scorer at the NHL level. Talented no doubt, but its the way he gets into open spots. Its a rare trait.
I've always been high on him... which I guess is true with a lot of fans when they saw the Wings drafted a 6'5" goal scorer, but he's been up and down in his development... ranging from people saying he is a dominant goal scorer to saying he is a floater who is just big and talented but doesn't always work hard enough to succeed at the higher levels.
I honestly think he is in the NHL by now in most organizations. I don't think there is any reason for the Wings to use up all his waiver exemption on him. But they've done that in the past with guys like Tatar and Nyquist too.
I honestly thought he could be something similar to Vanek this season. Probably a better skater than Vanek, but a net front PP specialist who can score in bunches, but also be streaky and look lazy/floaty at times. Vanek has looked amazing, so I can't say I'd rather Holland not signed Vanek and banked on Mantha being that right now. My preference would have been to let Helm go, but he's been good this year so far too. Miller and Ott were certainly not necessary, though, IMO.
My thought was AA could have taken over for Helm and Mantha could have filled into Vanek's spot. Now, well, Mantha will get his shot this year, and hopefully stick at some point, because he kind of needs to make it at some point soon.
Good to see him scoring goals and playing well in general from the reports I've read.