Anthony Mantha Thrives with Penguins After Challenging Year with Flames

Anthony Mantha has faced significant challenges in his hockey career, particularly during his brief stint with the Calgary Flames. After suffering a torn right ACL in November 2024, his time in Calgary was largely spent focused on recovery. This injury restricted him to just 13 games with the Flames.

Now, as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mantha has begun to thrive once again. When he returned to Calgary for a recent game, he reflected on his limited time there. “Obviously, I didn’t play as many games as I wanted with that team,” he noted. The transition to Pittsburgh has already yielded positive results for the veteran forward.

Strong Start with the Penguins

In his first season with the Penguins, Mantha has emerged as a key player. As of late December 2025, he has played 48 games, scoring 32 points with 14 goals and 18 assists. He ranks fifth on the team in scoring.

• Games played: 48
• Goals: 14
• Assists: 18
• Total Points: 32

His ice time averages nearly 15 minutes per game, showcasing his role within the team. Initially, he played on the second line alongside Justin Brazeau and Evgeni Malkin. Recently, he has been paired with rookie Ben Kindel on the third line.

Adapting to Changing Roles

Mantha’s versatility has been essential, especially when key players like Malkin, Rickard Rakell, or Bryan Rust have been sidelined due to injuries. He has stepped up, often playing on the top power-play unit, where his imposing 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame is advantageous in net-front situations.

Penguins defenseman Kris Letang praised Mantha’s performance, stating, “He’s been good. It’s fun to have a guy like that around the net that’s tough to move but can also make plays.” His contributions have significantly impacted the Penguins’ scoring ability.

A Fresh Start After Calgary

Mantha joined the Penguins as an unrestricted free agent in July, signing a one-year contract worth $2.5 million, which includes potential performance bonuses of up to $2 million. Before making this decision, he was courted by the Penguins the previous offseason but chose the Flames instead.

Reflecting on his decision, he explained, “They were telling me I could play with (Flames forward Jonathan) Huberdeau.” Although his time in Calgary was marred by injury, Mantha registered seven points during his 13 games there. He acknowledged he played well before the injury, but the recovery process was lengthy and demanding.

Looking Ahead

Currently, Anthony Mantha is focused on helping the Penguins secure a playoff spot. He expresses contentment with how his season has unfolded thus far. “Here we are battling for a playoff spot right now,” he remarked, indicating optimism for the future.

Mantha’s journey since leaving Calgary illustrates his resilience and ability to adapt, marking a promising chapter with the Pittsburgh Penguins as he thrives after a challenging time with the Flames.