The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in an unexpected yet intriguing situation with forward Anthony Mantha. Entering the 2025-26 season, many believed Mantha would be a short-term addition, much like Anthony Beauvillier before him-a veteran brought in on a budget-friendly deal to rebuild his value and then be traded for future assets.
However, the script has flipped. The Penguins are not just competitive; they’re in the playoff hunt, and Mantha is a key contributor to that success.
With a recent assist, he’s set a new career high in points and is on the brink of matching his career-best in goals. His potential to hit 30 goals this season underscores his impact, making him the NHL’s best value free agent signing this year.
This unexpected performance has left the Penguins with a decision to make as Mantha approaches free agency. Do they let him walk after the season, or attempt to re-sign him, a notion that seemed improbable just months ago?
Mantha’s career has been marked by productivity-averaging 24 goals and 50 points per 82 games-but health has often been a concern. This season, he’s managed to stay on the ice, but at 32, age and injury history are factors to consider. With a rising salary cap and Mantha’s standout year, he’s likely to be a hot commodity in free agency.
Looking at the market, only Buffalo’s Alex Tuch has more goals among potential free agents, with Alex Ovechkin’s future likely tied to Washington or retirement. Mantha’s 25 goals make him a top target, especially with the Penguins’ cap space and need for top-nine wingers.
While prospects like Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen show promise, they’re not guaranteed NHL regulars yet. The Penguins could explore trades, leveraging their draft capital and improved prospect pool to address needs, particularly for a young impact scorer.
A short-term deal for Mantha might seem appealing, but given the market dynamics, it may not suffice. The Penguins might ultimately decide to thank Mantha for his contributions and let another team take the gamble on a longer contract. This decision will shape their offseason strategy and could significantly impact their roster for the coming years.