Red Wings' Mantha responds to criticism: 'I need to work on a lot of aspects'

If Anthony Mantha's retort is any indication, the shots fired from the top of the Detroit Red Wings' hierarchy weren't entirely off base.

The former first-round pick answered to senior vice president Jim Devellano's startling criticism of his first professional season, providing a response that jibes with the disappointment had in the Red Wings' front office. 

"I need to work on my strength, for sure," he told MLive's Ansar Khan. "I need to work on a lot of aspects of my play, like getting quicker on my skates.

"I got better as the year went along but I need to keep growing for the summer."

While pushing for a roster spot with the Red Wings, Mantha fractured his tibia in a prospects tune-up game and missed the first two months of the season. 

Mantha finished with 15 goals and 33 points in 62 AHL games for the Grand Rapids Griffins.