Top Remaining NHL Free Agents: Former Penguins Still Searching for Contracts

As NHL free agency enters its second week, many of this year’s notable unrestricted free agents (UFAs) have already signed new contracts. However, a number of players remain without deals, including several former Pittsburgh Penguins who are still searching for their next opportunity.

Among the prominent names still available is Anthony Mantha, who appears to be biding his time for the right offer. After enjoying a breakout season with the Penguins, where he notched career highs with 33 goals, 31 assists, and 64 points, Mantha has positioned himself for a substantial raise.

Another former Penguin, Michael Bunting, is also in the market. The gritty forward showcased his offensive skills last season, scoring 14 goals and accumulating 33 points in 74 games split between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars. During his two seasons in Pittsburgh from 2023-25, he tallied 20 goals and 48 points, which should bolster his prospects for a new contract.

Matt Grzelcyk had a solid tenure with the Penguins during the 2024-25 season, recording career highs of 39 assists and 40 points in 82 games. Although his production dipped last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he managed only 12 assists in 69 games, his experience on the blue line could attract interest from teams looking to bolster their defensive corps.

Reilly Smith, who spent the 2023-24 season with the Penguins, scored 13 goals and accumulated 40 points in 76 games. However, his offensive output took a hit last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he registered just 26 points in 69 games. Despite this downturn, Smith’s veteran status might lead to a one-year deal if a team believes he can rebound.

Danton Heinen, a familiar face in Pittsburgh with two separate stints over four seasons, played 13 games last season before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He managed a goal and an assist with Columbus, ultimately finishing the season with 10 points in 33 games. Teams seeking depth in their bottom six might consider taking a chance on the ten-year veteran.

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