The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering the summer with several pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs). Now, three of them have been ranked among the NHL's best pending UFAs. The Athletic's Chris Johnston recently ranked the NHL's top 50 pending UFAs for this summer [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7338917/2026/06/08/nhl-free-agency-rankings-big-board-centers/]. Anthony Mantha, Stuart Skinner, and Ryan Shea all made the cut. Mantha was given the No. 8 spot, and it is pretty easy to understand why. While he had a disappointing post-season for the Penguins, he thrived during the regular-season. In 81 games this campaign with Pittsburgh, he recorded 33 goals and 64 points. After a season like this, he will generate a lot of interest if he tests free agency. Skinner landed the No. 20 spot on Johnston's list. When noting that he is one of the top pending UFA goalies who can test free agency this summer and has a ton of playoff experience, he should have a good amount of suitors. In 50 games this season split between the Edmonton Oilers and Penguins, he had a 23-17-9 record, an .888 save percentage, and a 2.92 goals-against average. As for Shea, he was given the No. 23 spot on Johnston's rankings. The 29-year-old just had a breakout year for Pittsburgh, setting new career highs with six goals, 29 assists, 35 points, and a plus-30 rating. Now, he is due for a new contract, and he should land himself a very nice raise. That remains the case whether he re-signs with the Penguins or signs elsewhere.
