The Pittsburgh Penguins have added a new face to their roster in veteran forward Anthony Mantha, who signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the team on July 2, 2025. The deal also includes the potential for an additional $2 million in performance-based bonuses. Mantha, who is 30 years old, is aiming to revitalize his career in Pittsburgh after an injury-shortened stint with the Calgary Flames.
Mantha's 2024-25 season with the Flames was cut short due to an ACL injury that required season-ending surgery in November. In his 13 games with Calgary, he recorded seven points, including four goals and three assists. Now recovered, he looks to bring his blend of size and scoring touch to the Penguins' forward group.
Drafted 20th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Mantha brings a wealth of experience to Pittsburgh. Over his 10-year NHL career, he has played 507 regular-season games with the Red Wings, Washington Capitals, Vegas Golden Knights, and Flames, amassing 146 goals, 157 assists, and 303 total points. He has also appeared in 14 Stanley Cup Playoff games, notching six assists.
Mantha has three times reached the 20-goal mark in a season, showcasing his offensive capabilities. His most productive seasons came in 2017-18 and 2018-19 with Detroit, where he tallied 48 points each year. In 2018-19, he set career highs with 25 goals and seven power-play goals.
Penguins' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, Kyle Dubas, has focused on adding size and physicality to the team, and Mantha fits that mold. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 234 pounds, Mantha is a sizable winger who, if healthy, could provide valuable secondary scoring for the Penguins.
Before his NHL career, the Longueuil, Quebec native played junior hockey in the QMJHL with the Val-d'Or Foreurs. During the 2012-13 season, he led the QMJHL with 50 goals and was named to the QMJHL Second All-Star Team. His outstanding play was recognized with the Jean Béliveau Trophy as the QMJHL's top scorer, the Michel Brière Memorial Trophy as the league's Most Valuable Player, and the CHL Player of the Year award in 2014.
Internationally, Mantha has represented Canada on several occasions. He was the leading scorer for Canada at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, recording five goals and six assists in seven games and earning a spot on the tournament's All-Star Team. He also won a silver medal with Team Canada at the 2019 World Championship and a bronze medal at the 2012 World Under-18 Championship.
While there's some uncertainty given his recent injury and inconsistent production, Mantha's addition could prove to be a valuable one for the Penguins. If he can stay healthy and rediscover his scoring touch, he could provide the Penguins with the secondary scoring and physical presence they are looking for as they aim to compete in the tough Eastern Conference.
