OHL in Primetime: Ryan Mantha Finally Gets His Shot

Ryan Mantha Finally Gets His Shot

Credit Harry Scull Jr.

It has been a long time coming for Niagara Ice Dogs defenseman Ryan Mantha, but he has finally signed a 3 year entry level contract with an NHL team earlier today. After being drafted by the New York Rangers in the 4th round of the 2014 Entry Draft (#104 overall) Mantha continued to play for the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL, but was deemed to not be a part of the Rangers long term future and was never offered a contract. After becoming a free agent in June of this year, Mantha was invited to the Buffalo Sabres pre-season camp but was let go soon after. Mantha was soon after named the 2016/2017 captain of the Ice dogs and has been a solid offensive contributor to the team, producing 51 points (14 goals, 37 assists) in 58 games this season. Just following the NHL Trade Deadline today, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they had signed Mantha to a 3-year entry level deal.

In an Interview with The Buffalo News during his camp with the Sabres at the beginning of the season Mantha was asked what his goals for the season were, he responded:

"My goal is to play in the National Hockey League, but you can't just jump right into it. You have to develop. Whatever happens throughout the summer, I'll go from there."

It looks as if 20 year old Mantha has gotten one step closer to achieving his goal.

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