Pittsburgh Hockey Now\u2019s Dan Kingerski writes that former Detroit Red Wings player Anthony Mantha re-emergence as an offensive force has created a best-case Mantha scenario.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith each passing season segment, Mantha is both helping the team win and increasing his value in the process,\u201d Kingerski writes.<\/p>\n
For a base salary of $2.5 million, plus bonuses, the Penguins have received 14 goals and 14 assists for 28 points from Mantha. He\u2019s on a pace to register 50-plus points for the first time in his career.<\/p>\n
“We’re playing really well\u2026 it’s fun when everyone can contribute. Hopefully, we keep it going.”<\/p>\n
Anthony Mantha on the success of his line with Novak & Brazeau \ud83d\udcaa pic.twitter.com\/ycSKIVAjX4<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) December 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n All options are on the table here. If the Penguins are in the playoff hunt, they can keep him and let him walk away as a UFA at the end of the season. If the Penguins fade out of contention, they can probably deal him to a contender, especially if he is heading toward 50 points.<\/p>\n \u201cDubas could opt to re-sign him,\u201d Kingerski wrote. \u201cThe guess is that the player would be more than willing to re-sign in this situation.\u201d<\/p>\n By the way, Mantha has a smart bonus clause from the player perspective. He gets $250,000 for every 10 games played.\u00a0 When he plays on Saturday against Detroit, it will be his 40th game. That\u2019s $1 million in bonuses already.<\/p>\n Red Wings In Case You Missed It<\/p>\n Red Wings draft pick Eddie Genborg<\/a> says the U.S. team played dirty a loss to his Swedish team at the World Junior Championships.<\/p>\n Former Red Wings player Lowell MacDonald<\/a> died.<\/p>\n Proof that Sidney Crosby<\/a> once wore a Red Wings jersey.<\/p>\n Red Wings Extra<\/p>\n Detroit prospect Max Plante took a light skate this morning, but won\u2019t play today in USA\u2019s quarterfinal matchup against Finland at the World Junior Championships.<\/p>\n Max Plante(2nd round\u201924) #LGRW<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/lFVZPSWKYv<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) January 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Hockey Now Network<\/p>\n Chicago: Connor Bedard is injured, but Canada\u2019s Olympic decision feels like a snub. Chicago Blackhawks.<\/a><\/p>\n Colorado: Injured Joel Kiviranta and Gavin Brindley are day-to-day, but will travel with the team. That\u2019s a good sign. Colorado Avalanche.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n New Jersey: James Nichols looks at what experts are saying about Tom Fitzgerald\u2019s tenure as New Jersey\u2019s general manager. New Jersey Devils<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t