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Why key Penguins forward has become one of Pittsburgh's most valuable pieces this season
Penguins forward Anthony Mantha has been so valuable for his team this year, and he has been a big help for the younger players on this Pittsburgh team.
Anthony Mantha's 2024-25 season with Calgary ended last Nov. 5 because of a severe right-knee injury that required surgery.
The long rehab gave him time to recover and return to the form that once made him a 20-goal threat, and set him up for a new opportunity.
The contract that Anthony Mantha signed with the Penguins
The Penguins had interest in him last offseason, and when he became available again, they inked him to a one-year, $2.5 million deal, planning to play him alongside Evgeni Malkin.
That combination has clicked. Mantha played all but one game on Malkin's line before he was also sidelined briefly on Nov. 5. Justin Brazeau had the other spot early, and when he got hurt, Tommy Novak moved up.
"I want to play all 82 this year," Mantha said. "It's been almost impossible throughout my career to play the whole season. That's my mentality. I'm taking care of my body. Trying to do the right things at the right time. It's part of my contract. Am I paying attention? Obviously, I am, but it's not something I solely focus on.
"It's going to come. As I stay healthy and play great hockey, it's going to come."
"It's going to come. As I stay healthy and play great hockey, it's going to come."
That move paid off with a highlight-reel moment. Novak was levelled by defenseman Brenden Dillon during a 2-1 shootout loss in New Jersey on Nov. 8, and Mantha, all 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds of him, stepped in to fight Dillon.
But only after he waited for Blake Lizotte to finish an offensive rush. Once the shot was taken, he dropped the gloves.
Why Anthony Mantha has been effective offensively
Mantha has been equally effective offensively, sitting second on the team with eight goals and six assists in 19 games while thriving around the crease and giving the Penguins steady production.
He is also motivated by durability. After being limited to 13 games last season, his contract includes a $250,000 bonus for every 10 games played, up to $2 million if he reaches 80.
A new deal awaits this summer. If he stays healthy and keeps up this pace, Mantha might finally find the stability that has alluded him across five teams in 11 seasons.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 25 | 90 ANSWERS Why key Penguins forward has become one of Pittsburgh's most valuable pieces this season Are you a big fan of Anthony Mantha? | ||
| Yes | 77 | 85.6 % |
| No | 13 | 14.4 % |
| List of polls | ||