The Edmonton Oilers could still have another move left in free agency, with NHL insider David Pagnotta linking the team to veteran winger Anthony Mantha.
While discussing the remaining unrestricted free agents, Pagnotta suggested Edmonton could be one of the teams interested in Mantha.
“Would you take a shot on a two-year deal? I think some teams would. I think the Oilers might be intrigued by that possibility,” Pagnotta said.
There is no indication that talks are underway, but Mantha could be an option if the Oilers decide to add another forward before training camp.
The 31-year-old is one of the top unrestricted free agents still available after completing a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Earlier in his career, he recorded multiple 20-goal seasons, including a 30-goal campaign, making him one of the few remaining free agents with that kind of scoring record.
The Oilers also have some salary-cap space to work with. Edmonton enters the 2026-27 season with an active cap hit of roughly $95.22 million, leaving about $5.92 million in space under the NHL’s $104 million salary-cap ceiling.
Why the Oilers could be interested in Anthony Mantha
Anthony Mantha remains one of the biggest names left on the free-agent market despite coming off the best offensive season of his NHL career.
The 31-year-old finished the 2025-26 season with career highs of 33 goals and 64 points in 81 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins after signing a one-year, $2.5 million prove-it contract. He also earned his games-played bonus and helped Pittsburgh outscore opponents 60-46 at five-on-five.
He couldn’t produce at the same rate in the playoffs. Mantha managed one assist in six games as Pittsburgh was eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers.
According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, Mantha is expected to command a four-year contract worth around $24 million. He is reportedly looking for a multi-year deal, though teams have been reluctant to offer that kind of term despite his strong regular season.
“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 writes. “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.”
That hasn’t stopped teams from showing interest. Along with Edmonton the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres have also been linked to the veteran winger as he weighs his next move.
Edited by Sonali Verma