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Ex-Calgary Flames forward Mantha is having career-best season in Pittsburgh

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Apr 2 2026, 5:09 pm
Ex-Calgary Flames forward Mantha is having career-best season in Pittsburgh
Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images

What could’ve been for the Calgary Flames and Anthony Mantha.

Mantha marked the Flames’ biggest free-agent acquisition 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.

Mantha suited up for just 13 games in a Flames uniform before suffering a season-ending ACL injury in November. Prior to the injury, he had four goals and seven points.

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.

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.

This season is quickly proving that isn’t the case.

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.

“It’s hard to do in this league,” Penguins head coach Dan Muse said of Mantha’s 30-goal season. “Huge credit to Mo and the work that he’s put in. It’s been huge for us to have that. He’s a guy who’s found different ways to score, but with that size and those hands, he can be hard to handle.”

Mantha has seven games remaining this season to try to improve further on what’s been a career year. Regardless, he’s set himself up for a very nice payday this offseason, whether it’s an extension in Pittsburgh or testing the free-agent market once again.

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