Mantha (eye) won't receive a qualifying offer from Edmonton, which means he'll become an unrestricted free agent Friday.
Mantha hasn't played since 2017-18 due to multiple health issues including a serious eye injury and a heart defect, so although he hasn't officially announced his retirement, at this point it's hard to see him making a return to professional hockey. If that ends up being the case, the 2014 fourth-round pick will finish his career having picked up 10 points in 43 AHL contests.
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Oilers' Ryan Mantha: Working through multiple health issues
Rotowire
Mantha's career isn't necessarily over after he sustained damage to the central retinal artery in his left eye (caused by a blood clot) in January and subsequently underwent heart surgery, the Edmonton Sun reports.
Mantha reportedly is taking blood thinners to treat the issue that temporarily left him fully blind in that one eye; he now has peripheral vision, but apparently can't see what's straight ahead. Originally selected by the Rangers in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Mantha signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Oilers in March of 2017. He's accumulated three goals and seven assists through 43 minor-league contests with AHL Bakersfield. "My dream is still to play in the NHL and I've been as close to being there as I can be (AHL)," Matha said. "It's still a dream to do so."
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Oilers' Ryan Mantha: Signs with Edmonton
Rotowire
Mantha signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Oilers on Wednesday.
Mantha has had an excellent season with the OHL's IceDogs, netting 14 goals and adding 37 assists in 58 games. The 20-year-old shows promise and will reportedly have a chance to prove himself with AHL Bakersfield once the OHL season is through. Mantha's no relation to the Red Wings' Anthony Mantha, but his father was Moe Mantha, an offensive-minded defenseman who played in 656 NHL games during the '80s and '90s.
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Oilers' Ryan Mantha: Signs with Oilers
Rotowire
Mantha signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Oilers on Wednesday.
Mantha has had an excellent season with the OHL's IceDogs, netting 14 goals and adding 37 assists in 58 games. The 20-year-old shows promise and will reportedly have a chance to prove himself with AHL Bakersfield once the OHL's season is through.
