What could\u2019ve been for the Calgary Flames and Anthony Mantha.<\/p>\n
Mantha marked the Flames\u2019 biggest free-agent acquisition<\/a> during the 2024 offseason, agreeing to a one-year, $3.5-million deal. It was a contract most envisioned the Flames flipping at the trade deadline in exchange for future assets. Unfortunately, things never played out that way.<\/p>\n Mantha suited up for just 13 games in a Flames uniform before suffering a season-ending ACL injury<\/a> in November. Prior to the injury, he had four goals and seven points.<\/p>\n In order to create more roster spots for younger players, the Flames elected to walk away from Mantha this past offseason in a move that they may have some regret over. The 31-year-old instead agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins in what might be the best bargain contract signed last summer.<\/p>\n Anthony Mantha \u2013 Pittsburgh Penguins (29) pic.twitter.com\/ESIoyNpBc2<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 31, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Early on in his career, Mantha was a player who had a ton of hype. He not only stands at 6-foot-5, but he also has the talent that many believed would help him blossom into a star. As time went on, however, most felt that while he was a solid player, the hopes of him developing into a true star talent had passed.<\/p>\n This season is quickly proving that isn\u2019t the case.<\/p>\n Mantha has played a big role in why the Penguins are well on their way to making the playoffs for the first time since 2022. His 30 goals, a career high, lead all Pens skaters, while his 58 points, also a career high, rank fourth.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s hard to do in this league,\u201d Penguins head coach Dan Muse said of Mantha\u2019s 30-goal season. \u201cHuge credit to Mo and the work that he\u2019s put in. It\u2019s been huge for us to have that. He\u2019s a guy who\u2019s found different ways to score, but with that size and those hands, he can be hard to handle.\u201d<\/p>\n Mantha has seven games remaining this season to try to improve further on what\u2019s been a career year. Regardless, he\u2019s set himself up for a very nice payday this offseason, whether it\u2019s an extension in Pittsburgh or testing the free-agent market once again.<\/p>\n You might also like:Calgary shows up with massive Saddledome attendance for PWHL<\/a>
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