Mantha, Shinkaruk, Lazar

[First Round Pick]

Offer on the table which is very close and looking for opinions.

Mantha for Shinkaruk

I have both in my one league and like them both. I own Mantha in my other league and offered Lazar to acquire Shinkaruk. He countered asking for Mantha for Shinkaruk (he's a Canuck fan). Thoughts from a player and point perspective on all players?

[The Hockey Hitman]

Shinkaruk is obviously closer than Mantha at contributing at the NHL level. I think it's a safe bet to say Shinkaruk is an NHL regular by 2015-16 at the latest, with a possibility of next season. I think Shinkaruk has some decent upside but I don't see him as a true top line player, more likely a second line player but he is the kind who should see a lot of PP time(likely not next season though if Torts is still at the helm in VAN).

However, personally from everything I've read and gathered of the two players, I like Mantha more. I don't think Detroit has had that talented of a goal scorer in their system in a long time, and Mantha has simply dominated the Q so far this season. I like Mantha's offensive upside more and I think there aren't too many better places he could have landed in terms of development. He'll very likely start his pro career in Grand Rapids next season, with a chance he could join the team this season depending on how far his junior team goes into the playoffs.

So I'd want Mantha and I think the wait on him will be worth it.

Hope this helps.

[First Round Pick]

I picked Shinkaruk 9th and Mantha 15th... Had a feeling Mantha would fall and happy he did. I'm a big fan of Shinkaruk too, will try to get both on both teams if I can make it happen.

[dodospice]

I would take Shinkaruk over Mantha. I think he has the higher upside... I also have Shinkaruk in my avatar picture so I'm sure people will discredit my opinion thinking I am biased haha

[zakkthebear]

this doesn't help but I had them at a coinflip in my rankings leading into my August Dynasty draft at 21 (Shinkaruk) and 23, so nearly even. Both were gone by then.

i have both with considerable drawbacks. I think Shinkaruk is in the better position and will be in the show much sooner. Mantha I have a slight edge in talent, but with more risk in his game in poor production environment in Detroit with the talent they do have currently really drying up by the time he arrives fully.

[Big Ev]

So why no talk bout Lazar? Lazar has scored more goals than Shinkaruk over the last year and a quarter, playing a lot less minutes, and being one year younger. Just food for thought. I think a lot of people just think he's a defensive forward for some reason.

[fungchen3]

I'd be patient and play for the home run ball in Mantha. I'd rather have him on my farm than Shinkaruk (and I even like Hunter).