Anthony Mantha: NHL’s Top Unrestricted Free Agent Still Available

As the dust settles following the NHL’s free agency frenzy, a few notable names remain on the market, but none shine brighter than Anthony Mantha. The former Pittsburgh Penguins forward, who turned heads during the 2025-26 season, stands out as the top unrestricted free agent still available.

Mantha, at 31 years old, enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Penguins, where he notched career highs of 33 goals, 31 assists, and 64 points across 81 games. His impressive performance not only solidified his status as a valuable asset but also sparked interest from teams seeking to bolster their offensive lines.

Given his track record, it’s no surprise that teams in need of scoring depth are keeping a close eye on Mantha. With his strong showing last season, many expect him to secure a new contract soon, especially now that he leads the list of available free agents.

The intrigue surrounding Mantha’s next destination adds an exciting layer to this offseason’s narrative. His one-year prove-it deal with the Penguins proved to be a shrewd move, and he certainly demonstrated his worth. Across 588 career NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals, Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames, and Penguins, Mantha has amassed 179 goals, 188 assists, and a total of 367 points.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.