Calgary Flames Announce Anthony Mantha is Out for Season with Torn ACL

The Calgary Flames have been dealt a heavy blow as forward Anthony Mantha will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 NHL season due to a torn ACL. The news, confirmed earlier this week, comes as a setback for both the veteran winger and the organization. At 30 years old, Mantha was in the midst of a solid start to the season, recording 4 goals and 7 points in 13 games while becoming a key piece in the Flames offensive depth. This not only sidelines an important player for the Flames but also disrupts potential plans for the team as the trade deadline approaches.

Mantha’s Strong Start with the Flames

Mantha joined Calgary on a one-year, $3.5 million deal in the offseason as part of the Flames efforts to reshape their roster and infuse veteran skill into the lineup. Known for his imposing size at 6’5″ and his blend of power and scoring touch, Mantha was settling into a productive role. Through 13 games this season, he had posted 4 goals and 3 assists, offering consistent secondary scoring for the Flames. Mantha’s ability to use his size to create space and drive the net was a valuable asset for a team that has at times struggled to generate offense. His strong start not only bolstered the Flames performance but also positioned him as a potential trade deadline asset. For a Calgary team potentially looking to retool or acquire future assets, Mantha’s performance was increasing his market value.

The Impact of Mantha’s Injury

Mantha’s torn ACL is a significant setback for the Flames. The injury, which will require surgery and months of rehabilitation, leaves a gap in the team’s lineup that won’t be easy to fill. The loss of Mantha means the Flames are now without a versatile forward who could play both wings and contribute on both ends of the ice. His ability to provide depth scoring and play physical hockey made him an important cog in Calgary’s system. Mantha’s absence forces the Flames to look internally to replace his production. Younger players or depth forwards may need to step into larger roles, which could challenge the team’s overall consistency as they navigate a tough Western Conference.

Beyond the immediate on-ice impact, Mantha’s injury complicates Calgary’s trade deadline strategy. The Flames were expected to explore potential deals to gain future assets or address roster needs, and Mantha’s solid play made him a candidate for a trade. His size, scoring touch, and ability to adapt to different roles would have made him attractive to contending teams looking for a veteran presence. Now, with Mantha unavailable for the remainder of the season, the Flames lose a potentially valuable asset in trade discussions.

Mantha’s Career at a Crossroads

For Mantha, the injury comes at a pivotal point in his career. At 30 years old, he is in the latter stages of his prime, and a major injury like a torn ACL can have long-term implications. Torn ACL injuries typically require surgery and a recovery timeline of 6-9 months. For a player like Mantha, whose game relies heavily on physicality and mobility, returning to form after such an injury will be a significant challenge. He will need to work diligently in rehabilitation to regain strength and maintain his skill level.

The injury also raises questions about Mantha’s long-term durability. With his contract set to expire at the end of this season, the setback could impact his value in free agency or his role within the Flames organization. A strong return in the 2025 season will be crucial for Mantha to reestablish himself as an impactful player.

What’s Next for the Flames?

For the Calgary Flames, the focus now shifts to adapting without Mantha. The team’s depth will be tested as they look to remain competitive in a tightly contested Western Conference. Younger players like Matt Coronato, Samuel Honzek, Jakob Pelletier or veterans further down the lineup may be asked to step up and fill the void left by Mantha. The Flames will also lean more heavily on established stars such as Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri to carry the offensive load.

General Manager Craig Conroy and the Flames front office may also explore external options to bolster the roster. Whether through trades or call-ups, Calgary will need to find ways to address the loss of Mantha and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Final Thoughts

While the loss of Anthony Mantha is undoubtedly a setback, both the player and the team will look to rebound. Mantha’s focus will shift to recovery, with the hope of returning stronger for the 2025-26 season. For the Flames, the challenge will be to navigate the rest of the season without one of their key pieces. As Calgary pushes forward, the hope is that this injury is only a temporary roadblock in what could still be a promising future for both the team and Anthony Mantha.