Anthony Mantha was hoping for a call-up from the Habs… which never came

Raphael Simard
Anthony Mantha was hoping for a call-up from the Habs… which never came
Credit: Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images

During the first summer of the Kent Hughes era, there wasn't much activity.

Montreal hasn't been very active, but that's not because the GM isn't on the phone. He's calling all the GMs and checking on the availability of just about every player—even those whose names haven't been mentioned in trade rumors.

Anthony Mantha was linked to the Habs, but obviously, a deal between the two sides didn't materialize. Today, the Quebec native admitted that he waited a good week for a call back from the Canadiens. That's according to a report from TVA Sports.

It seems the organization may not have been all that interested after all, since no concrete offer was made by Kent Hughes.

However, Mantha, who had expected to sign sooner, confirmed the mutual interest between the two sides.

The 31-year-old winger had the best season of his career in 2025–2026. He recorded 64 points in 81 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins. For the next two years, he'll be a member of the New Jersey Devils. He'll bring a physical presence and plenty of goals.

Would this type of player have made sense in Montreal's top six? Yes. But did the Habs really want to give him a two-year deal? Perhaps it was the contract length that ultimately tipped the scales for the player…

After a solid season in the NHL, teams certainly aren't rushing to offer a long-term contract.


In a nutshell

– It shows.

– Yes.

– A lineup change for the Jays.

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