39 Anthony Mantha RW

Mantha acknowledged that missing 28 games this season -- between a knee injury and punctured lung -- has the potential to complicate contract negotiations as he seeks a long-term extension with the Red Wings this summer, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

Mantha had been enjoying a breakout campaign based on his output of 16 goals and 22 assists through 43 games, but he may have to settle for a bridge deal to buy the Wings more time to contemplate his future with the rebuilding franchise. Should GM Steve Yzerman ultimately strike a long-term extension with the burgeoning power forward, it's believed that Mantha could stay in Motown for four or five more years.

Mantha scored a power-play goal and added three even-strength assists in Sunday's 5-4 shootout win over the Lightning.

The Wings' top line was the story of the afternoon -- Mantha, Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi accounted for all but one of the team's points. Mantha now has four goals and 13 points through 13 games since returning to the ice from a rib injury a month ago.

Mantha scored a goal on a team-high six shots in Monday's 2-1 loss to the Avalanche.

Mantha accounted for a third of the Red Wings' shots on goal, and he also scored their lone tally. The winger has racked up three goals and four helpers in his last 10 games. He's up to 33 points, 130 shots, 46 hits and a minus-10 rating in 40 contests as one of the leading producers on an anemic offense.

Mantha was the lone goal scorer for the Red Wings in Thursday's 7-1 loss to the Wild.

Mantha broke free in the attacking zone and delivered a nasty wrist shot to spoil Alex Stalock's shutout bid. It hasn't exactly been smooth sailing for the oft-injured winger this season, but he's still showing marked improvement based on a career-high average of 0.84 points per game.

Mantha managed to set up two goals in Detroit's 4-3 win over Montreal on Tuesday.

Mantha's looked pretty good since returning from a 20-game absence exactly a week ago. Detroit's 20th overall pick from the 2013 draft has compiled five assists in as many games, with a pair of multiple-point efforts springing Mantha's 34-game total to 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) on the season. The Wings don't play again until Friday's road clash with the Islanders.

Mantha recorded two assists in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Sabres.

Out since Dec. 21 due to a rib injury, Mantha rejoined the lineup and immediately provided a spark, setting up Darren Helm for both of Detroit's goals on the night. The 25-year-old Mantha has 12 goals and 26 points through 30 games on the season, and while he alone won't reverse the Wings' fortunes, he should deliver solid fantasy value on the team's No. 1 line.

Mantha (ribs) will play Tuesday versus the Sabres, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

Mantha suffered a punctured rib Dec. 21 and hasn't played since, but he'll likely bump into the top six immediately. It'll be a major boost for the Red Wings. Even though he's totaled just 28 games this year, he ranks third on the team in goals (12) and fifth in points (24).

Coach Jeff Blashill said Sunday that he's hopeful for Mantha (ribs) to return to the lineup for Tuesday's game against Buffalo.

Mantha will miss his 18th straight contest Sunday after suffering a punctured lung on a hit from Jake Muzzin on Dec. 21. He's resided on injured reserve since, which has been a tough loss to the lineup, as evidenced by his 24 points over 29 games prior to injury. Expect the official word from the team on Mantha's status prior to puck drop Tuesday.

Mantha relayed that he suffered a punctured lung on a hit from Jake Muzzin on Dec. 21, and he believes he can return in a week or two, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Mantha has already missed 17 games due to the injury, but he's officially aiming to return Feb. 15 against the Bruins. Considering there were concerns about whether he would return at all this season, this is certainly a win for the Red Wings and Mantha's fantasy owners alike. The 25-year-old generated 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) and 95 shots on net over 29 games prior to injury.

Mantha (ribs) is optimistic that he'll return this season, Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press reports.

According to this latest report, Mantha is actively working on drills with assistant coach Dan Bylsma. Detroit's premier power forward hasn't played since Dec. 21, when Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin threw him down to the ice. Mantha produced 12 goals and 12 helpers over 29 games prior to being injured, so it'll be worth monitoring his status carefully in case he returns in time for the fantasy playoffs.

Mantha (ribs) practiced in a non-contact jersey Sunday, Dana Wakiji of the Red Wings' official site reports.

Mantha's projected recovery timeline still has him more than two weeks from getting back on game ice for the first time since suffering his rib injury Dec. 21, but being able to join his teammates at practice is a major step in the right direction. The 25-year-old power forward was on pace for his most productive season yet prior to getting hurt, notching 12 goals and 12 assists through 29 games.

Coach Jeff Blashill said Mantha (ribs) will miss at least another month, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Blashill stopped short of ruling Mantha out for the rest of the season, but that makes the stated month timeline seem optimistic. The Red Wings are well out of playoff contention so there's no need to rush Mantha back until he's 100 percent, but the 25-year-old would be a major boost to the team's struggling offense, as he posted 12 goals and as many assists through 29 games.

Mantha (ribs) hasn't resumed skating and has no timeline for a return, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

Mantha has been out since Dec. 21 with the rib injury, and as evidenced by this news, he could miss even more time following the upcoming All-Star break. The 25-year-old's absence has been a tough loss for the Red Wings, especially considering he's racked up 24 points in 29 games this campaign.

Mantha (upper body) will be sidelined a minimum of four weeks, the team announced Friday.

This news effectively rules Mantha out until after the All-Star break, a stretch of 13 games. The winger was already designated for injured reserve and will see his spot in the lineup go to youngster Filip Zadina. Once cleared to play, the Quebec native should be a lock for a top-six spot, though others could be in danger of getting bumped down if Zadina performs well.

Mantha (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Sunday.

Mantha was already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Coyotes, and he'll be eligible to return for the team's next game Dec. 28 against the Panthers. However, the severity of Mantha's injury is unclear, so we'll have to wait and see whether he'll be ready for that matchup.

Mantha (upper body) will not dress Sunday against the Coyotes, Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News reports.

Mantha hit his head after being thrown to the ice by Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin. The Red Wings' top-line winger will sit Sunday and then benefit from a week-long break. Detroit's first game after Christmas comes Saturday in Florida against the Panthers, so there's a chance Mantha misses only one game.

Mantha, who returned from a lower-body injury, recorded one shot, three hits and four PIM in a 2-1 win over the Canadiens on Saturday.

Mantha missed eight straight games before rejoining the lineup for a rare Detroit win. Between the brawny forward needing time to settle in and his picking up a pair of minor penalties, he was limited to 12:25 of ice time, but Mantha looks like a relatively safe fantasy play for Sunday's home clash with the Kings.

As expected, Mantha (lower body) will return to the lineup Saturday against Montreal.

Mantha has been sidelined for three weeks due to a lower-body injury, so he'll likely have some rust to shake off early on against the Canadiens. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old winger has been highly productive when healthy this season, racking up 12 goals and 23 points in 25 games, so fantasy owners should start him with confidence.

Mantha (lower body) has received clearance from team doctors to play Saturday against Montreal, but he still needs to be cleared by general manager Steve Yzerman, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Red Wings currently sit at the bottom of the NHL standings, so there's no reason for them to rush Mantha back before he's truly 100 percent healthy. Nonetheless, it sounds like he should be good to go for Saturday's contest. Another update on the 25-year-old winger's status will likely surface following morning skate.

Mantha (lower body) will be sidelined for at least a "couple weeks."

Mantha's lower-body issue won't require surgery, but the 25-year-old will still miss Detroit's next six games at a minimum. It'll be impossible for the Red Wings to replace Mantha's production during his lengthy absence, as he's been one of the team's best forwards thus far this season, leading Detroit with 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) in 25 games. It's likely only a matter of time until the 6-foot-5 winger is placed on injured reserve.