It was a tough year for the Detroit Red Wings with the team missing the postseason for the first time in 26 seasons. That’s right, 26 seasons! That’s how good this franchise is, but many feel that this year’s miss was just an anomaly as the team is built with a great young core of talent. One of those youngsters is Anthony Mantha who had a very solid rookie season and is sure to be an important piece to the Red Wings getting back to the post season
Check out some of the reasons why Anthony Mantha needs to be a rookie on your radar worth collecting this year:
- He’s first round talent and was snatched up by the Red Wings 20th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft™.
Mantha’s size was on display on Draft Day as he towered over the team that picked him. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
- He joins other youngsters in Dylan Larkin and Andreas Athanasiou as the young core for the new look Red Wings.
- A native of Longeuil, Quebec, Mantha led the QMJHL in scoring in 2013-2014, his 3rd year with the league’s Val d’Or Foreurs.
- He’s played on Team Canada so many fans started collecting his Upper Deck cards before he even made it to the NHL®.
Mantha played with some solid young players as a member of Team Canada.
He gave Canadians more than a few reasons to cheer when he played with Team Canada.
- He played with the Grand Rapids Gryphons (who just won the Calder Cup) through 2014-2015 and most of 2015-2016 before being called up to make his NHL debut March 15, 2016.
Mantha also has AHL cards in the market from Upper Deck before he made his NHL debut.
- His hockey talent undoubtedly stems from his grandfather, four-time Stanley Cup winner Andre Pronovost of the 1950’s era Montreal Canadiens. In fact his first NHL® goal was scored March 24, 2016 against the Canadiens with his grandfather proudly in attendance.
- Hockeytown is definitely a buzz as it said an emotional goodbye to the Joe in April 2017 and prepares for the opening of the brand new venue; Little Caesars Arena, this fall. Mantha can put his stamp on the new arena and make a memorable mark for himself there with solid play and continued growth.
- After a finger fracture following a fight with Tampa Bay Lightning’s Luke Witkowski sidelined him March 31 2017, his presence was missed on the Wings offence. In 60 games played this season the 6’5’ 220 pound right-winger had 17 goals and 19 assists. Check out his scoring prowess:
- With his high-skill goal scoring abilities and a commanding physical presence that he isn’t afraid to use, he has much to offer the Red Wings in the years that come. The organization has made it clear they will rely on him.
- Fans in Detroit seem to like him. One fan has dubbed him, “SuperMantha!”
- He’s funny. Check him out about 44 seconds into this video we did with the rookies showing off a fun fishing celebration on the ice:
When it comes to which cards of Anthony Mantha, many are just hitting the market this season. While others are looking at Toronto and Winnipeg rookies, Mantha is being overlooked by collectors. If he can stay healthy next season, which shouldn’t be a problem, look for his numbers to rise as well as interest in his rookie year collectibles.
MVP rookie cards of Mantha are easy to find at a reasonable price.
Mantha’s Young Guns rookie card from Upper Deck is a must have for collectors!
Insert rookie cards like this acetate card from Upper Deck are also great to chase.
One of the first premium rookie cards of Mantha came from Black Diamond. This one features two diamonds embedded in the card.
Memorabilia cards like this one from SP Game-Used are a cool way to get athlete-worn gear.
Mantha included an inscription with this autograph rookie card.
This card includes a cool patch along with Mantha’s signature!
Mantha signed the clear acetate surface for this unique Upper Deck Ice card.
O-Pee-Chee Platinum rookies include some flashy foil to make the card look great!
Artifacts rookie are very cool looking as well and limited! There are only 99 copies of this card.
One of Mantha’s most desirable rookie cards comes from SP Authentic!
SP Authentic also boasts signed rookie patch cards like this one.
Exquisite Collection cards are favorites with premium card collectors.
