In the summer of 2024, the Pittsburgh Penguins showed interest in Anthony Mantha, a free agent forward who was available at the time. Mantha shared with a Pittsburgh reporter, "When I was a free agent last summer, they reached out. They made an offer, but it didn’t come together."
Fast forward to July 2, 2025, and the Penguins, led by Kyle Dubas, successfully signed Mantha to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million. The 6-foot-5, 234-pound right winger, who was the 20th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, is coming off a challenging period, having missed time due to two ACL injuries. Despite the long road to recovery and the upcoming training camp, Mantha is focused on being ready for the season.
"It felt good, but it took a long time," Mantha said. "I should be ready for camp, which has been my goal since surgery—about 10 months ago. I’m aiming to be fully prepared and confident by then."
Mantha emphasized that his injuries brought uncertainty heading into this free agency, making Pittsburgh’s offer particularly meaningful. "Playing only 13 games last year raised the question, ‘Which team would give me a chance?’ I’m grateful the Penguins did, offering me a great opportunity right from free agency," he said.
Pittsburgh recently acquired forward Philip Tomasino from the Nashville Predators for a 2027 fourth-round pick, a relatively low-risk move focusing on young talent. Mantha noted that a key reason for joining the Penguins was the chance to learn from some of the NHL’s greatest players over the past decade, including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson.
Having played alongside other seasoned veterans like Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson during his time with the Washington Capitals (2021-24), Mantha values the experience and mentorship from elite players. "I’m excited to learn the same here in Pittsburgh," he said. "At 30, I’m still growing and learning every year."
Mantha is aware of the Penguins’ current rebuilding phase, with the team missing playoffs for three consecutive seasons. However, he believes the veteran core has the power to change the trajectory this season. "Those four veterans can change the entire season," he remarked. "Even though Pittsburgh is rebuilding, that doesn’t mean they can’t compete right away. For me, it’s about giving my best, finding confidence, and letting things flow."
Additionally, Mantha has a connection with new Penguins assistant coach Todd Nelson, who helped elevate his game when they crossed paths in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins from 2015-17. "He helped me take that step to the NHL," Mantha shared.
As Pittsburgh transitions into a new era focused on youth and development, Mantha acknowledges that the responsibility lies with him to return to his peak performance. Despite injuries slowing him down last season, he has proven his scoring ability with over 20 goals in three different seasons and amassed 146 goals and 303 points in 507 NHL games.
Mantha is determined to rebuild both his physical form and confidence as training camp approaches. "Regaining confidence means lots of puck touches and shots," he said. "Playing scrimmages this summer will be key before camp starts, which will be different than in past years. This season, I have to come back strong and deliver my best hockey from the very start."
The Penguins will also be making decisions about younger players like Owen Pickering ahead of their October 7th regular-season opener against the New York Rangers.
Fan Take: Anthony Mantha’s signing is a hopeful sign for Penguins fans looking for a blend of veteran skill and emerging talent during a rebuild. His recovery and performance this season could be pivotal not just for Pittsburgh’s comeback aspirations but also for inspiring players overcoming injuries across the league.
