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Anthony Mantha, Calgary Flames (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)

Penguins’ Anthony Mantha Earns Masterson Nomination with Exemplary Season

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Ryan Womeldorf | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 2:30 PM ET

Anthony Mantha and the Pittsburgh Penguins are both sharing in one of the league’s most surprising redemptive arcs. The 31-year-old, like the Penguins, was thought to be on a downward trend, an afterthought in the ever-changing league.

Yet with the playoffs just a handful of days, both remain among the most pleasant surprises in the league. For his contributions this season, Mantha has earned the Penguins’ 2026 Master Trophy nomination for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

A Career Crossroads in Calgary

For years, Mantha had been the guy about to become a big star. The 6-foot-5, 240 pound power forward obviously had the size but also the skill to be a dominant power forward in the NHL. Drafted 20^th overall in 2013 by the Detroit Red Wings, he flashed that potential routinely, including a 25-goal season as a 24-year-old.

Mantha continued to be the “potential” guy through a prolonged stay with the Washington Capitals. But after a short stint with the Vegas Golden Knights, he signed a one-year “prove it” deal with the Calgary Flames.

Unfortunately for Mantha, a knee injury cost him most of the season. In his eyes, it potentially cost him his last chance at being a difference-maker. Just four goals in 13 games left Mantha feeling like everything had come to a halt.

Another Chance with the Penguins and the Long-Awaited Breakout

Fortunately for Mantha, the retooling Penguins were willing to take a shot, signing him to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. If anything, this had to feel like a final “prove it” deal for Mantha while the Penguins merely looked to add NHL experience on the cheap.

The 31-year-old winger entered the season with almost no expectations but exceeded them in no time. Mantha, like the Penguins, managed to find a groove early on and build on that momentum as the season progressed.

Mantha found himself productive regardless of his spot in the lineup. At times, he even played alongside Sidney Crosby on the top line. Ironically enough, Mantha recorded his 30^th goal – far and away a career high – against his first team, the Red Wings.

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha celebrates his goal with right wing Justin Brazeau and defenseman Kris Letang against the Vancouver Canucks (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

With four games remaining, Mantha has 31 goals and 61 points, setting new benchmarks in both (and a career-high 30 assists). He has become an integral part of the Penguins underrated but dangerous offensive attack, playing with the skill and finesse that so few big men possess.

Can He Cap Off a Storybook Season with a Storybook Ending?

As of this writing, the Penguins sit four points ahead of the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in the Metropolitan Division, a playoff spot a virtual certainty. With the Penguins going from lottery project to contenders in the blink of an eye, both Mantha and the team are eying something bigger than a surprise playoff berth: a Stanley Cup.

How far the Penguins go remains to be seen. Likewise, Mantha will go into next season with a bit more certainty about his playing status but must show that it isn’t a flash in the pan kind of performance. No matter how it plays out, his career rebound is the stuff of Hollywood legend.