Penguins Pair Sidney Crosby with Ovechkin’s Former Teammate Anthony Mantha
The Pittsburgh Penguins are shaking things up as they aim to return to playoff contention in the 2025–26 NHL season. In a notable offseason move, the Penguins signed veteran forward Anthony Mantha, formerly a key linemate of Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin, to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million with potential performance bonuses of up to $2 million. The signing brings together Mantha and Sidney Crosby, two players with elite hockey IQs and extensive NHL experience.
Mantha, 29, is best known for his time with the Detroit Red Wings and later the Capitals, where he played alongside Ovechkin from 2021 to 2024. One of his standout moments came in December 2022, when he assisted on Ovechkin’s 800th career goal—a milestone etched in NHL history. At 6-foot-5 and over 230 pounds, Mantha adds a physical presence and scoring potential that Pittsburgh hopes will complement Crosby’s elite playmaking ability.
The Penguins have missed the playoffs for three straight years, prompting management to seek immediate improvements. General Manager Kyle Dubas emphasized the need for players who could make an impact right away, and Mantha fits the bill. Though inconsistent at times, he still managed 20 goals and 18 assists last season with Washington, playing mostly middle-six minutes. Pittsburgh is optimistic that a change of scenery—and a chance to skate with Crosby—could unlock more consistent production.
The move also adds an emotional twist to the storied Crosby–Ovechkin rivalry, one of the defining narratives of modern hockey. Although Crosby and Ovechkin were once fierce adversaries, their relationship has evolved into one of mutual admiration. That respect was on full display last season when Crosby and teammate Evgeni Malkin gifted Ovechkin a Rolex after he surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s record for most career goals. Now, the Penguins are adding a player who helped Ovechkin reach that milestone.
In their final regular-season matchup on April 17, 2025, Crosby and Mantha were on opposite sides. Ovechkin scored his 897th career goal, but Crosby’s goal and assist helped the Penguins win 5–2. It was a bittersweet game—Washington clinched the top seed in the East, while Pittsburgh’s playoff drought continued.
Now, with Mantha donning black and gold, the Penguins hope this fresh pairing can breathe life into their offense. If Mantha clicks with Crosby the way he did with Ovechkin, Pittsburgh might finally have the firepower to break back into the postseason conversation.