Anthony Mantha finally had the season many thought he was capable of, and it appears he’s ready to capitalize on it.
Mantha signed a prove-it, 1-year, $2.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins last summer as he sought to play his first NHL season after tearing his ACL in 2024 while with the Calgary Flames. He did more than just prove he could still hang in the league, as he scored 30 goals in a single season for the first time in his career, leading the Penguins in goal-scoring and finishing tied for 28th leaguewide.
With Mantha set to become an unrestricted free agent again on July 1, his goal for his next contract will be much different this time around. And it sounds like that contract won’t come with the Penguins, as Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas’ recent comments indicate that Mantha is preparing to test the open market.
“I talked directly to Anthony in his exit interview,” Dubas said last week. “I haven’t had any discussions with his agent. He was pretty clear with me what his intentions are, and I think that’s private and personal for him. It’s not on me to say that here publicly, but we’ll see how all the other things materialize, and then we can always circle back.”
According to AFP Analytics, Mantha is projected to receive a four-year deal this summer worth nearly $25.5 million ($6.4 million AAV). The former Washington Capitals winger will turn 32 ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, so this offseason is likely his last opportunity to cash in on a longer-term contract.
Mantha did explode offensively during this past regular season with 64 points (33g, 31a) in 81 games, but his playoffs for the Penguins left much to be desired. In the team’s six-game series loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round, Mantha recorded just one assist. He has yet to score a playoff goal in 20 career postseason games for the Penguins, Capitals, and Vegas Golden Knights.
While Mantha appears to be on his way out the door, Dubas has made it clear that he’d love to find a way to retain franchise legend Evgeni Malkin, who is also set for unrestricted free agency. Malkin has said he wants to stay in the NHL and will be willing to join another club if the Penguins do not re-sign him.
