Red Wings will continue to push, support Mantha after disappointing pro debut

The leap from junior hockey to the pros is harder for some than others.

For Anthony Mantha of the Detroit Red Wings, it was virtually impossible to replicate the level of success achieved during his final season in the QMJHL, wherein he averaged a goal per game through 81 regular season and playoff contests.

The Red Wings were, however, openly disappointed with Mantha's AHL season, as vocalized earlier this month by Senior Vice President Jim Devellano.

As the Grand Rapids Griffins continue their playoff run, with Mantha chipping in a goal and two assists in 13 games, Red Wings general manager Ken Holland clarified the organization's outlook on the highly-touted prospect.

Holland told Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press:

When it comes to player development, my philosophy is I'm always nervous. If a player has too much success early, you worry they don't understand how hard it is and that they have to put in time at the gym. When they don't perform to the level expected, then adversity is a great motivator. Nobody wants to be embarrassed.

In Anthony Mantha's case, what he did in juniors is hard to do. We're going to support him and push him and educate him and tell him what's expected, and then it's up to the player to decide that he wants to do the things that need to be done.

Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill - likely to be behind the bench in Detroit next season - believes Mantha can be an elite player if he's able to improve his skating ability and look to attack the puck on a consistent basis.

Detroit has been notoriously slow in bumping their prospects to the big club, often much to their benefit, meaning Mantha may be destined to hone his skills in the AHL for another season or two, or at least until he starts to live up to the front office's expectations.