Full Breakdown
Anthony Mantha Joins the New Jersey Devils on a Two-Year, $9.5 Million Deal
7/15/2026, 9:08:34 PM
Core Transaction
The New Jersey Devils have signed veteran left-winger Anthony Mantha to a two-year contract worth $9.5 million. The deal pays $5.4 million in the 2026-27 season and $4.1 million in 2027-28, yielding an average annual value of $4.75 million. General Manager Sunny Mehta announced the signing on Wednesday.
Background & Context
Mantha, a 31-year-old from Longueuil, Quebec, was selected 20th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. After debuting with Detroit in March 2016, he logged seven seasons with the organization, posting 194 career points (95 g-99 a) in 302 regular-season games and two consecutive 20-goal seasons (2017-18, 2018-19). He was traded to the Washington Capitals on April 12, 2021, spent three seasons there, then moved to the Vegas Golden Knights in March 2024. A one-year free-agent contract with the Calgary Flames began on July 1, 2024, but an ACL injury limited him to 13 games. Mantha revived his value with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025-26 season, recording a career-high 33 goals and 64 points in 81 games.
The Devils entered the offseason after missing the 2025-26 playoffs, finishing 42-37-3 and seventh in the Metropolitan Division. Only four of their wingers reached double-digit goal totals, prompting a clear need for scoring depth.
Data & Statistics
- 2025-26 season (Pittsburgh): 33 g, 31 a, 64 pts (81 GP) – first 30-goal campaign.
- Power-play production: 7 PP g, 13 PP pts (2025-26).
- Career totals: 179 g, 188 a, 367 pts in 588 NHL games.
- Physical profile: 6-ft-5, 240 lb, left-hand shot.
- International play: Silver medal, 2019 IIHF World Championships; bronze, 2012 World Junior Championships.
Official Statements & Responses
The Devils’ front office framed the signing as a move to bolster “premium scoring depth” on the wing, noting the scarcity of 10-plus-goal wingers on the roster. Mehta’s broader offseason strategy included trading goaltender Jacob Markstrom, acquiring Evan Rodrigues, and reshaping the forward group to complement emerging centers Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt.
Criticism & Concerns
Analysts highlighted several risk factors:
- Defensive play: Mantha lacks a strong defensive reputation and is not expected to generate offensive chances for teammates.
- Power-play role: With limited power-play usage in Pittsburgh, the Devils may need to decide whether to deploy him on the first unit.
- Injury history: An ACL tear in 2024-25 caused a season-ending injury after just 13 games with Calgary, raising durability questions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on contract terms and statistical totals; no discrepancies were identified. However, the team’s specific plans for Mantha’s line assignment and power-play deployment remain unspecified.
What’s Next
The Devils will integrate Mantha into their lineup for the 2026-27 season, evaluating his fit alongside existing wingers Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and the developing Cody Glass line. His performance will be a key factor in the team’s effort to return to the postseason.
