This is why Anthony Mantha is still a free agent after Penguins ending

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On most of the lists featuring the best available free agents left in the NHL, Anthony Mantha is in the top spot.

That has been true for at least a few days now, but despite that, the departing Pittsburgh Penguins winger hasn't found a contract yet.

It surely is coming, but it's taking its time.

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Why is Anthony Mantha still a free agent?

The Athletic's Josh Yohe offered this theory in a post on X on Tuesday:

"I have no doubt Anthony Mantha is still going to get paid plenty this summer. Had a great year. But I do wonder if his playoff showing — no goals, bad penalties, teammates literally suggesting that certain forwards weren’t good in front of Philly’s net — is costing him a bit."

It certainly wasn't the ideal ending for Mantha.

Alex Tuch went through a similar final phase in Buffalo but ended up getting a great deal in a sign-and-trade to the Washington Capitals. Mantha isn't on Tuch's level, but that should give him encouragement that there's still something out there.

For what it's worth, The Athletic's Chris Johnston projected Mantha to get a four-year contract worth about $24 million in total value earlier this offseason. Now? It's not as obvious.

"Mantha signed a prove-it contract with the Penguins last summer after recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee, and he proved it in a big way," Johnston wrote along with that projection. "Long viewed as a dangerous scorer with an excellent shot who struggled to put it all together, Mantha struck for a career-best 33 goals and 64 points. The only sour note came from a rough playoff performance, which included just one point (an assist) in six games, but that shouldn’t overshadow the fact that Mantha reestablished himself as an offensively gifted winger."

Mantha isn't expected to return to Pittsburgh, although the Penguins do still have some money to spend.

It feels like a deal should come sooner rather than later, but at the moment, Mantha is being forced to be patient.