Penguins re-sign – Anthony Mantha’s future in Pittsburgh looks uncertain after a strong 2025-26 regular season but a tough postseason.
Pittsburgh’s offseason is shaping up as a pivotal one, and the first major question may already have a surprising direction: the Penguins are not expected to re-sign Anthony Mantha this summer.
Mantha delivered a standout 2025-26 regular season with the Penguins, finishing with a career-high 33 goals and 64 points in 81 games. His output came at a crucial time for Pittsburgh, helping the franchise return to the postseason after missing the playoffs three straight times.
The postseason, however, told a different story. In the playoffs, Mantha managed only a single assist across six games and also picked up 20 penalty minutes, as Pittsburgh was ultimately eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in the Battle of Pennsylvania.
With his current contract expiring, Mantha is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. According to Elliotte Friedman’s speculation, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas would not be inclined to pursue a contract extension—suggesting the team may be ready to let the winger test the market.
Friedman also described a lack of momentum around extending Mantha. saying that unless circumstances have changed recently. there hasn’t appeared to be much discussion about keeping him in Pittsburgh.. That point matters for a player like Mantha. who is widely expected to negotiate from a position of strength after his regular-season production.
The 31-year-old was playing on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. and the assumption now is that he will seek a meaningful raise.. With his numbers. it’s reasonable to expect interest in a multi-year contract with a much higher average annual value. and if Friedman’s reporting is accurate. Dubas may not be prepared to match that valuation.
Mantha’s regular-season workload reflected his importance to Pittsburgh’s forward rotation.. He averaged more than 15 minutes of ice time, including two power-play shifts, while also contributing physicality with 54 hits.. While his speed has been a recurring question throughout his career. his role in the middle-six during 2025-26 was still significant for the Penguins’ overall attack.
As July 1 approaches, the likelihood of a bidding market grows. Mantha is expected to have multiple suitors, particularly from teams looking for added scoring from the wing to strengthen their top-six groups.
Financially, the direction of the conversation is also trending upward. Even if Pittsburgh chooses not to re-sign him, Mantha is positioned to cash in this summer, with an AAV of $5 million or more not viewed as out of reach.
The potential cost-cutting or roster reshaping doesn’t stop with Mantha.. Dubas and the Penguins front office are also facing decisions involving another veteran cornerstone, Evgeni Malkin.. Malkin. described as a Penguins lifer. is set to become an unrestricted free agent as well. and he has said he intends to play in the NHL next season. whether he stays in Pennsylvania or moves elsewhere.
For the Penguins. the combined uncertainty around Mantha and Malkin points to a summer that will go beyond simply addressing contracts.. It also raises the broader question of how Pittsburgh intends to ensure that this postseason return is not a one-off moment—especially after a regular season that brought results. followed by a playoff series that exposed gaps.
Ultimately, the Mantha situation may become the early signal of Pittsburgh’s direction.. If the Penguins do let him walk. it would mean leaning into the offseason rebuild of their scoring and depth picture. while deciding whether to pivot from what powered their return to the playoff stage to what can sustain success once the games tighten in the postseason.
For fans, the timeline is clear: July 1 will set the tone for Mantha’s next chapter, while also putting the spotlight on whether Pittsburgh can keep its identity intact amid major contract decisions and the looming possibility of a different-looking roster next season. Misryoum
Anthony Mantha Pittsburgh Penguins Kyle Dubas Evgeni Malkin NHL free agency Battle of Pennsylvania playoff struggles