Forward Anthony Mantha is prepared to enter the NHL unrestricted free-agent market after contract negotiations with the Pittsburgh Penguins reached a standstill, as reported by heavy.
com and sportingnews. com on June 18, 2026.
Career Year in Pittsburgh
The veteran winger excelled during his single-season stint in Pittsburgh, scoring a career-high 33 goals and providing 31 assists to help the team secure its first Stanley Cup Playoff berth since 2022.
Despite this productivity, the Penguins only offered a short-term extension, which did not align with the multi-year security sought by the player's representatives.
NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun detailed the contractual discrepancy between the franchise and the player's camp as the free-agency period approaches.
"The Penguins would have brought him back on another one-year deal, but that’s not happening," wrote Pierre LeBrun, Insider for The Athletic.
The analyst noted that the 31-year-old forward commands significant value given the current market conditions and demand for goal scorers.
"Mantha’s camp, led by agent Olivier Fortier, will bring his client to market and likely look for a four-year deal.
There should be solid interest, given the lack of goals available on the UFA market.
I could see Mantha net between $5 million and $6 million per year," LeBrun added.
Mantha rebounded significantly in Pittsburgh following a severe knee injury that disrupted his previous tenure with the Calgary Flames.
"Mantha, 31, put up a career-high 33 goals with the Pittsburgh Penguins after playing just 13 games a season earlier with the Calgary Flames," LeBrun stated.
While his offensive output remains strong, durability has been a recurring consideration throughout his professional career since being drafted in 2013.
"He did have 23 goals in 2023-24 between the Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights, but staying healthy has been the issue over the years for the 2013 No. 20 pick," LeBrun explained.
Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas acknowledged the situation during post-season assessments, confirming direct communication with the forward regarding his future.
"I talked directly to Anthony in his exit interview," said Kyle Dubas, General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The executive indicated that discussions had not progressed to formal negotiations with the player's representation before the decision to test the open market.
"I haven’t had any discussions with his agent.
He was pretty clear with me what his intentions are, and I think that’s private and personal for him.
It’s not on me to say that here publicly, but we’ll see how all the other things materialize, and then we can always circle back," Dubas stated.
