Anthony Mantha brings all the physical traits a scout can ask for: size, smooth, coordinated skating and strength. You could group Mantha in with a few other names like Alexsander Barkov and Seth Jones whose freakish athleticism would see them suceed in almost any sport. Athleticism is not all Mantha brings to the table however - an innate ability to read the play from the perimeter, soft hands and an elite shot have helped Mantha cement his status as a 1st round talent early in his draft year.
Some things Mantha needs to work on are his compete level without the puck, which is an issue on the backcheck and his physicality. When a player with a big strong frame like Mantha doesn't use his size on the boards consistently it raises a red flag.
However, Mantha has been one of the dark horses leading the scoring race this year in the QMJHL, very few followers could have predicted his name at #5 in QMJHL scoring (tied for goal scoring lead) 25 games in. Mantha has gone from a disappointing 3 goal scorer through his first half of last season to scoring goals at a frantic pace, with 64 points (35-29) in his last 36 games played, split between the end of last year and the start of this year.
I spoke to Anthony after Sundays game in Halifax, and here is what he had to say.
Whats your biggest focus heading into your draft year?
I'm aiming for 90-100 points and I'd love to be invited to the U-20 camp in December.
What are your strengths and one thing you need to work on?
My biggest strengths are my vision and my shot. I'm definitely trying to work on my competitiveness, like battling harder on a consistent basis.
What do you think of playing on a smaller market team like Val d'Or?
It doesn't change much. Talent is spread all across the league, but it takes off a little off-ice pressure.
Whats something an average fan wouldn't know about you off the ice?
I'm a big fan of golf, I do it alot in the off-season.
Best of luck in your draft year Anthony!
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