The Penguins made the NHL's best free-agent signing of last summer.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently in a very good spot, as they are second in the Metropolitan Division with a 38-21-16 record and 92 points. When noting that many viewed the Penguins as a non-playoff team heading into the season, they certainly have been a nice surprise in 2025-26.
A big reason for the Penguins' turnaround this season was their moves during both the off-season and during the campaign. Several of their new players have impressed this campaign.
However, one of their free-agent signings of this past off-season was the best of the summer: Anthony Mantha.
Mantha signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Penguins during the off-season, which comes with up to $2 million of performance bonuses. Now, with April here, it is abundantly clear that Mantha has not only lived up to his one-year, prove-it deal, but has been a complete steal.
Mantha has simply thrived this season and has put together a career year in the process. In 75 games this season with the Penguins, the 6-foot-5 forward has set new career highs with 30 goals, 28 assists, and 58 points. With numbers like these, he has been fantastic for the Penguins.
Mantha has also been staying hot, as he has four goals and five points over his last three games alone.
With how well Mantha has played this season for the Penguins, there is no question that he will be getting a raise on his next contract. That remains the case whether he stays in Pittsburgh or tests the market.