In a surprising move on July 1st, the Calgary Flames secured the services of Anthony Mantha, welcoming him to the team with a 1-year contract worth a lucrative $3.5 million. Mantha, known for his superior skating ability, potent shot, and impressive size, possesses all the attributes of a potential superstar power forward. Despite these skills, the seasoned player has encountered challenges with maintaining consistency throughout his career, finding himself now on his fourth NHL team. With this in mind, speculation arises about the potential outcomes awaiting the talented winger as he joins the Flames roster for the upcoming season.
A key question on everyone’s mind is how Anthony Mantha will integrate into the Calgary Flames lineup. Some believe that if Mantha fails to find chemistry with his new teammates, he may be paired alongside the likes of Nazem Kadri, Connor Zary, or Martin Pospisil to infuse the team with a youthful energy that could propel his performance to new heights. The hope is that by playing alongside these players, Mantha may unleash his full potential and achieve the level of success that has eluded him thus far in his NHL career.
Moreover, in addition to slotting on one of Calgary’s offensive lines, it is anticipated that Mantha will play a significant role on the power play. With the Flames boasting a formidable power play unit comprised of notable players like Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar, Andrei Kuzmenko, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Yegor Sharangovich, there is a chance that Mantha could be a valuable addition to this group, potentially replacing Kuzmenko if the need arises. Alternatively, he may find himself anchoring the second power play unit, showcasing his skills and contributing to the team’s success in a different capacity.
Looking optimistically towards the best-case scenario for Anthony Mantha, many envision a breakout season for the talented forward in Calgary. As he aims to surpass the 50-point mark and potentially even reach the coveted 30-goal milestone, Mantha has the opportunity to capitalize on the increased ice time and offensive opportunities available to him with the Flames. Should he excel in his role, Calgary could benefit greatly by leveraging his performance at the trade deadline to acquire valuable draft picks and prospects, much like the deal that saw him move from Washington to Vegas for a second and fourth-round pick in the previous season.
In a hypothetical situation where Mantha thrives in Calgary, there is a possibility that the Flames may entertain the notion of re-signing him for the long term, especially if he proves to be a compatible asset alongside Huberdeau. As a 30-year-old veteran, Mantha could provide valuable experience and leadership to the team’s promising young core, adding stability and depth to the roster. However, the likelihood of this scenario remains uncertain, given General Manager Craig Conroy’s inclination towards prioritizing youth in his decision-making process. Despite this, if Mantha continues to deliver on the ice, the enticing return he could generate at the trade deadline may outweigh the benefits of retaining him.
Fortunately for the Flames, there exists no catastrophic downside to the Anthony Mantha signing. Even if the seasoned player were to fall short of expectations as a free agent acquisition, the impact would be negligible, considering Calgary’s current position in the league. With ample cap space and minimal risk involved in Mantha’s contract, the worst-case scenario would likely entail the Flames allowing him to depart at the season’s end, without facing any significant repercussions. This low-risk, high-reward move epitomizes Conroy’s shrewd judgment and strategic planning, solidifying it as one of his most successful signings to date.