Anthony Mantha Joins Devils on Two‑Year Deal

Why the Devils Acted on Mantha

The Devils have added a proven winger in Anthony Mantha as part of their offseason overhaul. General manager Sunny Mehta sees the 32‑year‑old as a key piece after the team missed the playoffs last spring. Mantha’s acquisition follows a series of trades, including the deal that sent Jacob Markstrom to Florida for Evan Rodrigues and Jesper Boqvist. Mehta also signed David Rittich to battle Nico Daws for the backup goaltender spot, showing a focus on depth and competition.

Mantha’s decision to join New Jersey comes after a lengthy rehabilitation from a right‑knee ACL tear that kept him sidelined for nearly two years. The Quebec native is fresh off a breakout campaign with Pittsburgh, where he posted career highs of 33 goals, 31 assists and 64 points. Those numbers proved he can still produce at an NHL level despite the injury‑related layoff.

Contract Terms and Cap Impact

Mantha agreed to a two‑year, $9.5 million contract with the Devils, a deal that will count $4.75 million against the salary cap through the 2027‑28 season. At age 32, the contract provides the Devils with a high‑caliber option on the wing without overburdening the cap. The bridge‑style agreement gives the team flexibility for future extensions or trades.

The signing removes one of the last high‑profile free‑agent names from the market, arriving well after most clubs finalized their July 1 spending. By securing Mantha, the Devils have bolstered their forward group while signaling that they are still building around a playoff‑contending framework for next season.

What This Means for the Devils’ Future

With Mantha now under contract, the Devils have a reliable right‑side presence that can both score and protect the puck. His experience in a high‑paced offensive system from Pittsburgh could help New Jersey generate more balanced scoring threats. As the roster continues to take shape, the addition of a player who has shown he can rebound from a major injury adds confidence heading into training camp.

The move also underscores Mehta’s aggressive approach to reshaping the roster after a postseason absence. By mixing veteran talent like Mantha with younger prospects and depth goaltenders, the Devils aim to create a mix of experience and upside that could position them as contenders in the upcoming season.