The Pittsburgh Penguins have experienced a significant turnaround this season, largely thanks to three key free-agent signings made during the summer. After missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons and finishing the 2024-25 season with a 34-36-12 record, the Penguins aimed to rebuild and strengthen their roster through strategic acquisitions. Among these, Anthony Mantha has been a standout, contributing 19 goals and 40 points in 53 games, and playing a crucial role in the team’s improved performance. Mantha, initially expected to be a temporary replacement, has become a vital part of the Penguins' offensive core, with recent streaks of five goals and eight points in four games. He has shown versatility, scoring both greasy goals and showcasing skillful puck handling. Mantha started on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Justin Brazeau, but has recently been skating with Brazeau and Ben Kindel due to injuries and line adjustments, fitting seamlessly into the team’s system. Additionally, Justin Brazeau has emerged as a scoring threat, setting career highs with 14 goals and 25 points, and scoring key goals early in the season. Wotherspoon, signed as a defenseman, has been a steady and physical presence on the blue line, pairing effectively with Erik Karlsson and contributing to the team’s strong puck possession and defensive stability. General Manager Kyle Dubas’s offseason moves, including these three signings, are credited with significantly boosting the Penguins' prospects this season. His strategic signings have been praised as instrumental in the team’s success, and if the Penguins make the playoffs, Dubas’s work could earn him the NHL’s GM of the Year award. Overall, these additions have paid huge dividends, helping the Penguins transform from a struggling team to a playoff contender, with players like Mantha leading the charge.