Ryan Mantha

October 2020 – Mantha did not receive a qualifying offer and therefore becomes an unrestricted free agent.  Jokke Nevalainen

March 2020 – There have not been any reports as to how Mantha’s left eye is doing after a blood clot affected his vision during the 2017-2018 season. His contract will expire after this campaign and at this point, his recovery and health are more important than his status as a prospect. Hopefully, he plays professional hockey again one day. Jameson Ewasiuk

March 2019 – There haven’t been any updates on Mantha since last year and at this point just getting back and playing hockey at all would be a positive. He has another year on his contract with the Oilers but his health and well-being are more important right now. Jameson Ewasiuk

June 2018 – Mantha’s first season in the AHL definitely didn’t go as planned. On February 2nd the young defenseman suddenly lost sight in his left eye due to a blood clot and sustained damage to the central retinal artery. There can be permanent vision loss and at this point the only reports are that Mantha has gained peripheral vision but not his straight ahead vision. Obviously eye damage can have a major effect on a player’s hockey career but it doesn’t necessarily mean his career is over. Players like Bryan Berard and Carl Soderberg both sustained significant eye damage in their careers and still played in the NHL. Mantha’s development could potentially take a step backwards but there is still potential with this player. His huge body, big slap shot and willingness to contribute offensively are definitely intriguing. Before his injury, Mantha was learning to defend at the faster pro level and learning how to use his body more to his advantage. If Mantha does continue playing there will likely be an adjustment period but he should see more offensive opportunities next season. Jameson Ewasiuk

March 2017- Ryan Mantha is a big defensive defenseman. Originally drafted by the New York Rangers in the 4th round of the 2014 draft, Mantha selected to sign an entry-level contract with Edmonton. Mantha is the captain of the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL. The big defenceman is having himself a pretty solid offensive year picking up 17 goals and 40 assists for 57 points in only 64 games. Mantha is defense-first but he has a crisp breakout pass and will jump up in the play if the opportunity is presented. He also possesses a big shot from the point. A knock on Mantha is his foot speed. He will need to improve this if he wants to play in the NHL one day. Next season Mantha will have a chance to play with the Bakersfield Condors. Spencer Pomoty