Anthony Mantha signed a one-year, $2.5 million prove-it deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins after tearing his ACL in 2024. He responded with a career first: 30 goals in a season, leading the Penguins in goal scoring and finishing tied for 28th leaguewide. With his contract ending and unrestricted free agency approaching on July 1, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas indicated Mantha intends to test the open market. AFP Analytics projects a four-year deal worth nearly $25.5 million, with Mantha turning 32 before the 2026-27 season. His regular season included 64 points in 81 games, but his playoffs were limited, totaling one assist in a six-game loss and no playoff goals in 20 games for multiple teams.
"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 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.""
"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."
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