However, things went sideways for quite a while after that.\u00a0 Injuries became a near-annual issue while his production went in the wrong direction.\u00a0 It took five years for him to get back to the 40-point mark but he did so in 2023-24, splitting time between Washington and Vegas.\u00a0 The timing seemed fitting, too, as Mantha was slated to hit the open market that summer.<\/p>\n But a long-term contract didn\u2019t materialize.\u00a0 After being scratched in four first-round playoff games, Mantha wound up settling for a one-year, $3.5MM pact with Calgary in 2024 with the hopes that a bigger role with a team starting to rebuild would allow him to rebuild some value.\u00a0 While he started off well with seven points in 13 games, the injury bug bit again as he tore his ACL in November, ending his season prematurely.<\/p>\n That made Mantha eligible for a one-year, bonus-laden contract last summer, a route he wisely took.\u00a0 He signed with Pittsburgh for a $2.5MM guarantee plus $2MM in games played bonuses, which were all met.\u00a0 He had a career year offensively, surpassing 30 goals, 30 assists, and 60 points for the first time.\u00a0 With a market rather bereft of impactful top-six players, this was thought to be the springboard to make him a very highly coveted free agent.<\/p>\n But that hasn\u2019t happened, at least on the surface.\u00a0 There hasn\u2019t been much in the way of speculation involving the 31-year-old.\u00a0 Right now, it looks like his camp is hoping to land him a longer-term pact with a nice raise, one that the type of season he just had would normally yield.\u00a0 For now, at least, it appears teams aren\u2019t willing to bite, knowing his overall inconsistency and injury history.<\/p>\n Stats<\/p>\n 2025-26:\u00a081 GP, 33 G, 31 A, 64 PTS, +10, 43 PIMS, 152 shots, 15:11 ATOI, 49.5 CF% Potential Suitors<\/p>\n Some of the potential fits for Mantha will be determined by the term of the contract that he ultimately decides to accept.\u00a0 If he continues to push for a longer-term agreement, his options will probably be somewhat limited.\u00a0 However, if he is willing to do another short-term pact (even a one-year agreement with a higher cap hit), more opportunities should present themselves.<\/p>\n In the East, the Flyers have ample cap flexibility now with Leo Carlsson<\/a>\u2019s offer sheet being matched.\u00a0 Even after they re-sign their current restricted free agents, they have enough to afford Mantha on a short-term or long-term pact although he wouldn\u2019t really solve their need down the middle.\u00a0 The Blue Jackets have lost some firepower this summer and given their challenges at times attracting talent, they may not be as worried about a longer-term agreement.\u00a0 The Red Wings could definitely afford him if they want a reunion with their former draft pick.<\/p>\n Among teams that might become more interested on a short-term pact, Montreal comes to mind.\u00a0 While they need a second-line center, they also need a second-line winger but GM Kent Hughes has noted he doesn\u2019t want to necessarily block some of his prospects long-term.\u00a0 The Canadiens have enough cap space to afford a one-year deal but may not be inclined to go much longer.\u00a0 Depending on what happens with some of their other free agent pursuits, the Sabres could be in that boat as well.\u00a0 Devils GM Sunny Mehta doesn\u2019t seem like the type to commit a long-term contract to Mantha given his history but on a short-term pact, they could be more willing to take a flyer as well.<\/p>\n Out West, the Blackhawks haven\u2019t done much this summer to add firepower.\u00a0 While Connor Bedard<\/a> needs a pricey contract, they still have the long-term or short-term flexibility to try to bring Mantha in.\u00a0 The Kraken are believed to be looking to get back to the playoffs and were willing to take a big swing to add a top talent.\u00a0 While those fell through, Mantha could be a serviceable, though nowhere near as impactful, option.\u00a0 The Jets still need to sign Cole Perfetti<\/a> but they need more top-six help as well and, like Columbus, may not be as deterred by a longer-term deal given their challenges in attracting players as well.<\/p>\n On the shorter-term side, the Canucks could make some sense along the lines of Mantha\u2019s strategy when he signed in Calgary.\u00a0 Play a big role, try to show the uptick in points wasn\u2019t a fluke, and hope to be moved to a contender at the trade deadline.\u00a0 The Oilers could make sense with a similar idea, play him with one of their top centers and try to get a short-term boost.\u00a0 But with Connor McDavid<\/a> needing a new deal soon, Mantha isn\u2019t the type of player they\u2019d probably want to sign long-term, only on a short-term pact.<\/p>\n Projected Contract<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/anthony-mantha-penguins-233x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Early in his career, the former Detroit first-round pick looked like a potential power forward in the making.\u00a0 He put up a pair of 48-point seasons within his first three NHL campaigns and it looked like he was well on his way to being an impactful top-six piece for a long time.<\/p>\n
Career:\u00a0588 GP, 179 G, 188 A, 367 PTS, -3, 320 PIMS, 1,295 shots, 16:05 ATOI, 52.4 CF%<\/p>\n