The Daily: Vrana Waived, Mantha on 4th Line; Smith, Staal Homecoming?

Two days after Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman put Jakub Vrana on waivers, the Washington Capitals demoted Anthony Mantha to their fourth line.

It appears that neither party is satisfied with the main elements of their major 2021 trade. At least the Red Wings have two prospects (Sebastian Cossa and Dmitri Buchelnikov) with some potential.

Washington Hockey Now’s Sammi Silber details how Coach Peter Laviolette’s changes played out poorly for Mantha. He has nine goals this season, but only one in his past 10 games. Mantha was -3 in a recent game against Ottawa. He played just over 12 minutes Thursday against Columbus. He is playing on a line with Aliaksei Protas and Garnet Hathaway.

“There’s times when Anthony is real noticeable on the ice — he can win battles,” Laviolette told Silber.

But Laviolette wants to see that more often than he has this season. Detroit fans can relate to that.

Anthony Mantha has been demoted to the fourth line with the Capitals facing some big roster decisions in the coming days.

Head coach Peter Laviolette shares his thoughts and breaks down No. 39's play of late:https://t.co/jsud1Du7pE

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) January 5, 2023

Detroit Draftee Medals

Detroit Red Wings prospect Red Savage, Detroit’s line prospect at the World Junior Championships, picked up an assist to help USA down Sweden 8-7 in overtime to win the bronze medal at the tournament. The Miami (Ohio) sophomore finished with three goals and six points in seven games.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin was selected by the NHL to play in his third All-Star game.

The Red Wings will be facing two of the NHL’s top 10 offensive teams over the next two days. They have surrendered an average of 4.37 goals per game over the past eight games. Is that a worry?

Alex Nedeljkovic played solidly and recorded the win in his first conditioning stint game for the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Red Wings (16-13-7) are home tonight to face the Florida Panthers (17-18-4). Coach Derek Lalonde has said Ville Husso will start in goal tonight. He has given up four or five goals in each of his past five starts.  The Red Wings will then head to Toronto to play the Maple Leafs Saturday night. No goaltending decision has been for that contest.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Trent Frederic goes toe-to-toe with Brendan Lemieux in memorable scrap. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: Evan Rawal lays out the Colorado Avalanche collapse and their ongoing struggles. Colorado Avalanche. 

Florida: It will be a homecoming for Marc Staal and Givani Smith when play in Detroit tonight. Florida Panthers.

Montreal: The hottest Canadiens predictions for 2023. Montreal Canadiens. 

New York: Forward Brock Nelson will be a first-time NHL All-Star. New York Islanders. 

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Philadelphia: Kevin Hayes fulfills his late brother’s dream by making the All-Star squad. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins haven’t won since Dec. 20 and the frustration in the dressing room is growing. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose:  Will fan vote help Timo Meier join Erik Karlsson at the NHL All-Star game? San Jose Sharks.