Anthony Mantha has become one of the more intriguing names left in this summer’s free-agent market. After posting a career-best 33 goals and 64 points in 81 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins on a one-year prove-it deal, the veteran winger is expected to land a much bigger contract.
However, not everyone believes the Edmonton Oilers should be the team to hand it to him.
Ex-Oilers Head Coach Sends Clear Message to Stan Bowman
There are two major concerns surrounding Mantha: whether he can repeat last season’s production and his track record in the playoffs.
While the 31-year-old enjoyed a breakout year, he scored on 21.7% of his shots, well above his career average of 13.8%. That suggests his goal total could be difficult to repeat.
His postseason production also raises questions. During Pittsburgh’s first-round loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, Mantha managed just one assist in six games and made a costly defensive mistake that led to the series-clinching overtime goal. He has been held without a goal in 20 career playoff games, recording only seven points.
Former Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish, who coached Edmonton from 2000 to 2009, believes general manager Stan Bowman should be patient with the team’s remaining cap space.
“I’d keep the gunpowder dry at this point. I wouldn’t spend it on Anthony Mantha or Tarasenko. I think the longer you go, the more cap space you accrue and the better player you’re going to attract. And those guys aren’t going to move the dial, in my opinion,” MacTavish said.
MacTavish’s message is simple. He doesn’t believe signing a middle-six forward like Mantha will make the Oilers a significantly better team. Instead, he feels Edmonton should save its remaining cap space and keep its options open for a bigger addition closer to the trade deadline.
Better Options Could Still Be Available For The Oilers
If Bowman decides to spend the Oilers’ remaining $5.9 million in cap space now, there are still a few veteran free agents who could provide a greater impact.
Patrick Kane is one possibility. The future Hall of Famer recorded 57 points in 67 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season and remains one of the NHL’s smartest playmakers. His vision and passing ability could make him an excellent fit alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
Claude Giroux is another option. The 38-year-old finished with 49 points in 82 games for the Ottawa Senators while continuing to provide leadership, versatility, and strong two-way play. However, recent reports suggest he still prefers to re-sign in Ottawa.
Stan Bowman is now looking at a fork in the road. He can either follow MacTavish’s advice, saving the roughly $6 million in cap space they have to weaponize at the trade deadline, or strike early on an established veteran like Kane or Giroux who brings proven playmaking capability rather than Mantha’s high-risk regression profile.
