As the 2024 NHL free agency frenzy beats on, another big UFA signs. When we say big, at 6-foot-5, we mean literally, as Right Wing Anthony Mantha signs a new deal. Mantha had been a trade deadline acquisition by the Vegas Golden Knights from the Washington Capitals this past season in 2023-24. Now, he has signed a new contract.
Power Forward Anthony Mantha Signs a New Contract
Anthony Mantha signing with the @NHLFlames for one season at $3.5M.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) July 1, 2024
Anthony Mantha is a consistent contributor on the offensive side of the puck. It is a bit surprising Vegas General Manager Kelly McCrimmon wasn’t more willing to keep him around by signing him sooner. However, perhaps the price tag factored into things. He was just coming off a deal that was paying him $5.7 million, and it was tough to align his goal with a team’s. But now that is all in the past.
What Does Super Mantha Bring to the Club
At 29 years old, Mantha is coming off a 44-point campaign. Furthermore, he is a three-time 20-goal scorer at the NHL level. An underrated aspect of Mantha’s game is his efficiency. This past season, he had a 20.4 shooting percentage and only played 14:13 a night, despite the, as noted above, point production. He also carries a career 10.9 CF% Rel. Mantha is a nine-year veteran of the NHL, with 494 career regular season games under his belt.
Moreover, Mantha is a big, strong force who can dominate on the down-low cycle and pressuring opposing defencemen on the forecheck. Like the Golden Knights were hoping last year, adding Mantha is a statement. It means that you are adding a depth piece that can produce throughout the long grind of the NHL season and into the playoffs. He hasn’t played much in the playoffs, but as a depth piece, he is exactly the type of secret weapon GMs love to have in their arsenal.
Main photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
