Ryan Mantha THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 6/18/1996
Place of birth: Clarkston, Michigan
Ht: 6’5″ Wt: 225 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: D
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014
Twitter: @RMantha4
THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 92
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (April): 109
Future Considerations: not ranked
Craig Button: 60
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 149
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Ryan Mantha (no relation to Anthony), is another big blueliner out of the USHL. He recently won a Clark Cup Championship with the Indiana Ice. I’m unsure what to make of his play this season. While the size he brings to the table is unmatched, he has been rather inconsistent throughout the season. He also doesn’t play the body as well as he should, given his stature.
Mantha does play the game smart though. He is poised with the puck and is great at finding open teammates up the ice. He has a strong outlet pass from his own zone. His skating has been somewhat of an issue, but nothing a little determination won’t fix. He has a blast from the point. Mantha also has great reach, as would be expected since he’s 6’5″.
Teams are always in need of big defensemen. Ryan Mantha is no exception and will be picked in the middle rounds of the draft.
Where Will He End Up In June:
Mantha will probably be a 4th or 5th round pick.
Scout’s Honor:
“Mantha has good bloodlines and impressive size. Handles the puck well and makes a strong breakout pass. Uses his reach and strength to defend. He needs to work on his transition and overall mobility as well as improve his physical play as he comes off as somewhat soft. (November 2013)”
Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations
“Has been man-sized since he was 16, and was converted to a dman due to his size and temperament. Has a big hard shot, and is good at getting the puck to his mates. He will need more lateral ability to close better, but he does a fine job of clearing the front and protecting teammates. Was named to the USA Developmental team playing in the Ivan Hlinka Tournament. Was named to the U.S. World Junior A roster for the Junior A Challenge.“
Bill Placzek – Draftsite.com
Statistics:
Bio/Interview(s)/Links:
Interview with USA Junior Hockey
ETA:
4-5 years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 1/5 Reward: 2/5
NHL Potential:
3rd pairing two-way defenseman
Strengths:
Poised with the puck
Makes a strong first pass
Heavy point shot
Two-way play
Vision
Reach and pokecheck
Keeps it smart and simple
Clears people from in front of the net
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Needs to play more physical for his size
Intensity from shift to shift
Consistency
Skating and lateral movement
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 3/10 Defensive: 5/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Jeff Schultz
Video(s):
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph
