Take Mantha in NHL Fantasy Based On an Ambitious Ask from Flames

Talk has surfaced this past week that Anthony Mantha has a clear directive from Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska: take 300 shots this season. As such, Mantha could have a productive season and might make for a wise sleeper NHL fantasy selection.

After signing a one-year, $3.5 million "show-me" contract, Mantha is under pressure to prove he can produce, and Huska believes unleashing his shot more frequently could be the key to his success.

Mantha, who has previously tallied a career-high of 198 shots during his 2018-19 season with the Detroit Red Wings, is open to the challenge. He has discussed with the Flames coaching staff the expectation to hit the 300-shot mark, a goal that could significantly elevate his goal totals.

His previous career high is 25, but based on his career average shooting percentage of 12.6%, that could mean more than 30 goals. Specifically, it could be as much as 37-38 if he stays comfortably where he's been at for the past decade.

"Hopefully, I jump in that role and embrace it," Mantha said during a media session following the second day of Flames training camp.

Mantha Will Be Looking to Score

Mantha's new role in Calgary could make him a valuable pick in NHL fantasy leagues, especially for those looking for high-shot volume players. With an increase in his offensive responsibility and the backing of his coaching staff, Mantha has the potential to surpass his previous shot totals and rack up more goals, assists, and power play opportunities.

This is someone who will get an elevated role in the Flames' offense and top-six minutes most of the season. He could be trade bait by the deadline, so the Flames want to see him producing.

Fantasy owners should take note, as Mantha’s combination of experience, a motivated contract year, and this 300-shot target makes him a sleeper pick with significant upside this season. If he hits that ambitious mark, but if everyone is on board, there's no reason he can't hit it.