Report: Penguins Letting Anthony Mantha Test Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Penguins remain a team to watch this offseason, and it sounds like Kyle Dubas won't be shy to let some of this season's players walk. Not only is Evgeni Malkin likely leaving, the same can be said about winger Anthony Mantha.

Elliotte Friedman: Re Penguins: I don't think, unless it's changed recently, it doesn't sound like there'd been a lot of discourse about a contract extension for Anthony Mantha - 32 Thoughts (5/1)

Mantha, 31, was on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million AAV and certainly outplayed his contract, and will be looking for a multi-year deal, with a much higher AAV this offseason. Mantha appeared in 81 games this season, and turned back the clock, scoring 33 times and adding 31 assists for 64 points. 

Mantha averaged just 15:11 of ice-time per game and saw over two minutes on the power play, while landing 54 hits. Mantha's speed has always been in question, so any team looking to add to their team speed likely won't be interested.

However, there's a number of teams looking to add more scoring from the wing among their top-six next season, so Mantha's going to have a ton of suitors, it's just going to come down to how much the highest bidder comes in at. Mantha's likely going to be looking for roughly $5 million AAV on the open market.

Penguins are making changes, Mantha and likely Malkin won't be back next season.

Photo credit:  Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images