​The Buffalo Sabres have navigated a busy offseason, but the work isn’t finished yet. Following the departure of Alex Tuch this summer, Buffalo could benefit from adding another impactful winger to bolster their forward group and fill the void left by Tuch. One practical avenue for the Sabres to address this need is the free-agent market, where several quality forwards remain unsigned. Among the unrestricted free agents, Anthony Mantha emerges as a standout option for Buffalo to consider.
It’s surprising that Mantha remains unsigned so late in the offseason. The 31-year-old winger had a productive 2025-26 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, posting career-best numbers with 33 goals, 31 assists, and 64 points over 81 games. Those production marks demonstrate Mantha’s scoring touch, offensive instincts, and versatility, making him an attractive targets for teams looking to add scoring punch. For the Sabres, Mantha’s track record suggests he could be a meaningful addition to their lineup if he signs with Buffalo.
If the Sabres were able to bring Mantha into the fold, he could slot comfortably into Buffalo’s top nine, providing depth and a reliable scoring option alongside the team’s existing forwards. His offensive skill set would also make him a natural choice for Buffalo’s power play, where a forward with Mantha’s ability to create and convert chances would be highly valuable. The potential fit extends beyond mere numbers; Mantha’s experience and skill could help the Sabres sustain offense and provide another threat on a consistent basis.
On a shorter-term deal, a player like Mantha could align well with a Sabres team that is in the process of ascending toward contending status. A bridge contract could give Buffalo flexibility to evaluate his fit within their system while still allowing room to pursue longer-term commitments if the chemistry and production align with the team’s trajectory. From a strategic perspective, Mantha represents a high-upside addition who could help accelerate Buffalo’s competitive timeline without the immediate financial commitment of a long-term veteran deal.
The decision to pursue Mantha will hinge on several factors, including medical evaluations, salary cap considerations, and how well his playing style complements the Sabres’ existing core. Buffalo would also need to weigh whether Mantha’s strengths align with their system and whether his presence would energize the roster and fan base alike. Given theSabres’ goal to contend in the near term, adding a proven scorer like Mantha could bolster their offensive ceiling and help them take a meaningful step forward in the upcoming season.
Overall, Anthony Mantha stands out as a compelling option for Buffalo as they evaluate remaining free agents. His recent production, combined with his size, shooting ability, and experience, makes him an appealing target for a team looking to add scoring depth and a dynamic presence on both even-strength and special teams. As the Sabres continue to shape their roster, a potential pursuit of Mantha could become a defining storyline of the offseason, offering Buffalo a credible pathway to enhance their forward group and push toward a more competitive season.