Anthony Mantha remains one of the most intriguing names still sitting in free agency, even after a strong season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
For days now, he has been near the top of the list of the best unsigned NHL players, yet a contract still hasn’t materialized. That delay has raised a simple question: why is Mantha still available?
The Athletic’s Josh Yohe floated one possible answer on X on Tuesday, pointing to how the winger finished the season.
"I have no doubt Anthony Mantha is still going to get paid plenty this summer. Had a great year. But I do wonder if his playoff showing - no goals, bad penalties, teammates literally suggesting that certain forwards weren’t good in front of Philly’s net - is costing him a bit."
That postseason stretch clearly did not help Mantha’s case. Still, there’s reason to believe a deal is coming. Alex Tuch went through a similar late-stage wait in Buffalo before landing a strong sign-and-trade with the Washington Capitals, and while Mantha is not on Tuch’s level, the comparison at least shows that patience can pay off.
Earlier this offseason, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston projected Mantha for a four-year deal worth about $24 million. Johnston also noted the winger’s bounce-back season after recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee.
"Mantha signed a prove-it contract with the Penguins last summer after recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee, and he proved it in a big way," Johnston wrote along with that projection. "Long viewed as a dangerous scorer with an excellent shot who struggled to put it all together, Mantha struck for a career-best 33 goals and 64 points. The only sour note came from a rough playoff performance, which included just one point (an assist) in six games, but that shouldn’t overshadow the fact that Mantha reestablished himself as an offensively gifted winger."
A return to Pittsburgh does not appear likely, though the Penguins still have money to work with. For now, Mantha is waiting, and the market seems likely to move before long.
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