Detroit Red Wings sign Anthony Mantha to four-year extension

The Detroit Red Wings have inked forward Anthony Mantha to a four-year contract extension paying him an AAV of $5.7-million.

Mantha has been a dominant force when healthy for the Red Wings scoring 84 goals and 173 points in 260 games. Drafted by the organization 20th overall in the 2013 draft, it took Mantha a few years to break into the league.

He returned to the QMJHL in his draft+1 year, before splitting time between the AHL and NHL until the 2016-17 season. That year, Mantha saw action in 60 NHL games scoring 17 goals and 36 points. He’s since been a mainstay in the Red Wings lineup.

The deal is some impressive work by Steve Yzerman and co. The contract is incredibly team-friendly as Mantha is an incredible driver of play. According to hockeyviz.com, he provides offence at a 15 percent rate higher than league average and defence at a seven percent rate higher than league average.

Despite missing time this season, Mantha consistently scored over two primary points per hour as he played as a first line player.

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