The NHL has been on pause for weeks following the Florida Panthers’ championship win, but most teams are already turning their focus to what’s ahead. The Pittsburgh Penguins are no exception, and in an effort to surround Sidney Crosby with the best possible support, they’ve reached an agreement to bring in a former key teammate of Alex Ovechkin from the Washington Capitals.
Anthony Mantha, an important piece for Ovechkin back in 2022, has agreed to join Pittsburgh and will look to replicate that performance alongside his new teammates. The talented forward arrives at the Penguins following his stint with the Calgary Flames.
The news was confirmed by NHL insider Renaud Lavoie, who announced the move through his official X account (formerly Twitter), highlighting this interesting acquisition made by Dan Muse’s team.
“Anthony Mantha signed a one year deal with the @penguins with a base salary of $2.5M and if he’s healthy another $2M in bonuses is available to him,” the insider reported via @renlavoietva.
Anthony Mantha #39 of the Calgary Flames skates during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on November 5, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime.
The great bond with Ovechkin
Anthony Mantha had a positive stint with the Capitals, becoming a reliable sidekick to Alex Ovechkin during his time there. In fact, he played a key role in achieving an important goal during that period.
Toward the end of 2022, it was Mantha who provided the assist on the night Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin scored his 800th career goal, becoming the third player in NHL history to reach that milestone.
v8(L) celebrates a goal by Anthony Mantha #39 at 4:15 of the third period against Semyon Varlamov #40 of the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on March 11, 2023 in Elmont, New York.
How much do the Penguins gain with Mantha’s arrival?
Anthony Mantha’s arrival in Pittsburgh significantly boosts the Penguins’ offense, providing Sidney Crosby with a potent new weapon. His scoring ability and powerful shot will directly complement Crosby’s playmaking, enhancing the forward group and improving power-play opportunities. His size and net-front presence also add a new dimension to the team’s attack.
Mantha’s veteran experience and playoff exposure will be invaluable. This acquisition adds crucial depth and versatility, allowing for more flexible line combinations. The move underscores the Penguins’ commitment to surrounding Crosby with talent, as Mantha’s contributions could be pivotal in their quest for postseason success.
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