Anthony Mantha nearly joined Todd McLellan's Red Wings before turning down a one-year contract worth $5 million.
Steve Yzerman made the offer as Detroit searched for another proven winger capable of adding size and finishing power to McLellan's top six.
The deal reportedly came close to completion. Mantha nearly accepted before Yzerman withdrew the proposal two days later, leaving the winger on the open market.
That sequence makes this more than routine free-agent interest. Detroit put real money on the table for a player the organization knows extremely well.
Mantha began his NHL career with the Red Wings and once carried major expectations as a big, skilled scoring winger. A reunion would've brought him back into a familiar market with a defined offensive opportunity.
The $5 million figure also shows how aggressively Yzerman was prepared to pursue immediate help. This wasn't a low-risk camp invitation or a bargain contract for depth.
Detroit's top-six search takes another turn
Mantha's decision leaves McLellan without a potential power forward who could've competed for minutes beside Detroit's most talented playmakers.
For the Red Wings, the timing matters. Many of the strongest free agents have already chosen destinations, shrinking the number of available forwards who can realistically handle top-six deployment.
Mantha remains one of the most recognizable unsigned wingers. His combination of reach, shooting ability and net-front presence gives teams another option if they still need scoring support.
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But Detroit's willingness to offer $5 million also creates questions about its next move. Yzerman may now have to redirect that money toward a trade, another free agent or added flexibility entering training camp.
There's also a clear roster consequence. Without Mantha, younger forwards may receive a stronger chance to earn offensive minutes during the preseason and force their way onto McLellan's opening-night lineup.
For Mantha, declining the offer carries risk. The market becomes tighter each week, and another team may not match the money or the potential role Detroit was prepared to provide.
The reunion came close, then disappeared. Now Yzerman must find another answer, while Mantha waits to see whether turning down Detroit leads to a better opportunity elsewhere.
Did Anthony Mantha make a mistake by declining Detroit's offer?
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