While this summer\u2019s NHL free agent marketplace is short on high impact performers, there are a few intriguing players that will draw the Detroit Red Wings.<\/p>\n
One of them is former Red Wings player Anthony Mantha who scored a career-high 33 goals this season. That number is correct. At age 31, it all came together for him with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is one of 15 former Red Wings<\/a> currently playing in the postseason.<\/p>\n The first impulse for Detroit management (and fans) would be to dismiss the idea of trying to woo back Mantha. His time in Detroit was a study in frustration. But here\u2019s why the Red Wings have to think about it: The Red Wings badly need another scoring winger and there\u2019s not much available. They will have money to spend on a free agent. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s the other factor: Twenty-six of Mantha goals were at even-strength. That\u2019s the same number of even-strength goal Alex DeBrincat boasted. No other Detroit came close to that number.<\/p>\n Mantha is also 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, and had physical moments this season for Pittsburgh. Could he fit well with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.<\/p>\n But before anyone starts down the road, let\u2019s roll out the negatives associated with pursuing Mantha. His career has been marked by inconsistency and disappointing stretches. He hasn\u2019t had back-to-back 20-goal seasons since 2017-`8 and 2018-19 with Detroit. This season simply could have been a career season.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh Hockey Now reported Mantha wants to stay with Pittsburgh. And the Penguins are interested. However, they may be reluctant to give him the multi-year deal he wants because they are in a pseudo rebuild and want to make sure they have roster spots available over the next few years.<\/p>\n The salary projection for Mantha\u2019s new deal would be in the $5-$6 million range.<\/p>\n Obviously, there are several reasons why a Mantha-Detroit reunion is unlikely, starting with the history between the player and the Red Wings. But after 10 years out of the players, they are in a position where they must consider every opion \u2014 even a return of Anthony Mantha. <\/p>\n Red Wings In Case You Missed It<\/p>\n Goalie Michal Postava <\/a>sets team record for shutouts in win against Milwaukee Admirals.<\/p>\n Alex DeBrincat<\/a> says the Red Wings are embarrassed about missing the playoffs. <\/p>\n Bob Duff explains why Patrick Kane <\/a>is the only UFA the Red Wings need to keep.<\/p>\n Red Wings Extra<\/p>\n Goalie Rudy Guimond (169th, 2023) is still perfect (8-0) in the QMJHL playoffs. He owns a 1.62 goals-against average and .934 save percentage. In two seasons with the Moncton Wildcats, Harvard-bound Guimond is 56-7-3 in the regular season and 16-1 in the playoffs. <\/p>\n Nikita Tyurin(5th round\u201925) \u2014 Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Hockey Now Digest<\/p>\n Montreal: The Habs are shuffling their lines before their playoff battle begins. Montreal Canadiens.<\/a><\/p>\n Philadelphia: William James breaks down the Flyers\u2019 impressive win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Philadelphia Flyers.<\/a><\/p>\n Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski explains what the Penguins must do better in Game 2 of their series. Pittsburgh Penguins.<\/a><\/p>\n San Jose: Macklin Celebrini ready to talk contract extension this summer. San Jose Sharks.<\/a><\/p>\n
+1 2\/3 SOG 2 BLKs 1 Hit 1\/1 FOW? 21:48 TOI in a 2-0 win. MHC leads the series 3-1#LGRW<\/a><\/p>\n