The Daily: Anthony Mantha Odd Man Out? Red Wings Add Grinder

Former Detroit Red Wings player Anthony Mantha’s contract year doesn’t seem to be off to an encouraging start. Hockey Now’s Jared Serre‘s Washington Capitals roster projection doesn’t include Mantha on any of the team’s lines. Serre views him as an extra.

“Mantha’s struggles in Washington have seemingly continued this preseason — a less than ideal scenario for both sides, especially as Mantha enters a contract year,” Serre wrote:  “I think he would be better served in an extras role, placing a little less pressure on him to turn things around. Plus, his versatility in being able to play both wing positions increases the Capitals’ roster flexibility.”

Mantha scored 93 goals over four and a half seasons in Detroit, but he has only managed to produce 24 goals over three seasons in Washington.

Red Wings Next Game

Coach Derek Lalonde’s Red Wings open the season Thursday on the road against the New Jersey Devils at 7:30 (ESPN+). Their home opener is Saturday (7 p.m., Bally Sports) against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Red Wings in Case You Missed It

• GM Steve Yzerman is always full of surprises. He signed veteran grinder Zach Aston-Reese. The Red Wings also sent Jonatan Berggren to the Grand Rapids Griffins.
• Red Wings prospect Anton Johansson answered his critic by playing his best game of the  young season in the Swedish Hockey League.
• Bob Duff writes about Daniel Sprong‘s impressive shot. That’s the attribute that his teammates talk about.
• Coach Derek Lalonde put together a fourth line that has a true identity. Opponents may get to know Klim Kostin, Joe Veleno and Christian Fischer.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Nate Brown weighs in on who stays and who goes when the Chicago Blackhawks make their final roster cuts.

Montreal: Canadiens’ surprise cut, Joel Armia, clears up the Montreal Canadiens‘ roster situation. The Habs also waived former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Gustav Lindstrom.

Philadelphia: Sam Carchidi writes that the Philadelphia Flyers coaches got needed time away from each other.

Pittsburgh: Jake Guentzel could play in the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ season opener.