New Jersey Devils News & Rumors: Mantha’s Media Availability, Coaching Staff, & More – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

Once again, the New Jersey Devils had a busy week, slotting a few more pieces into place for the upcoming season. First, they announced the signing of Anthony Mantha to a two-year, $9.5 million deal. Then the following day, the 2026-27 regular season schedule was unveiled.

All in all, things are set to look vastly different from the Devils’ last campaign, armed with a revamped bottom six, a new goalie rotation, and another goal scorer on their top line. The team has their sights set on the playoffs, and fans are eagerly waiting to see the new-and-improved club hit the ice in October.

This installment of Devils News & Rumors highlights Mantha’s first media availability for New Jersey, recent coaching and developmental hirings, and the viral schedule release video with an extra-special cameo.

On Friday, Mantha spoke with the media about his decision to sign with the Devils. The veteran right wing shared his excitement for this season, then revealed that general manager (GM) Sunny Mehta’s process was actually one of the main reasons why the move made sense for him.

He told reporters that he had a conversation with Mehta via Zoom the weekend prior, sharing his vision for the team and discussing various opportunities throughout the lineup. Mantha went on to say how much he appreciated the gesture and even praised the GM’s analytical approach using advanced statistics.

Another important takeaway from the interview was Mantha’s focus on mental health. Following a multitude of injuries, including a torn shoulder and ACL, Mantha began seeing a mental coach, a choice that has made a profound impact on his career. Not only did he re-find his love for hockey, but he was also able to adjust his mindset and adopt habits to improve his game.

“Little techniques of resetting your mind, resetting your body, to be ready for the next shift if you do make a mistake. And on the opposite side, if you’re scoring a goal or two goals quickly, how you’re able to reset also to keep a neutral mind,” said Mantha.

When asked about what Devils fans can expect from him, he said he hopes to have another strong season. Whether it be improving his defense, generating chemistry with his new linemates, or adding some much-needed scoring, it’s clear that he’s put in the work and wants to help take the team to the next level.

Coaching & Development Additions

Continuing his restructuring of player development, Mehta announced a few changes to the Devils’ organization. Three new coaches and a goaltending director will join the team this season, rounding out head coach Sheldon Keefe’s staff.

Ted Donato and AJ MacLean have been brought on as assistant coaches. Donato served as head coach for Harvard University for the last 22 seasons, with 334 career wins at the NCAA level. He was selected 98th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1987 NHL Draft, appearing in 796 games over 13 seasons.

MacLean was formerly an assistant coach with the Syracuse Crunch in the American Hockey League (AHL), but he also worked with Keefe during his time with the Toronto Marlies. Throughout his own career, he played for the Halifax Mooseheads in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), then played another six seasons professionally in various leagues, ending with the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).

Leo Luongo has been named Director of Goaltending and will work alongside Devils’ and Utica Comets’ coaches, as well as scouting and development personnel. Likewise, Luongo will monitor draft picks and prospects within the Devils’ pipeline. He previously spent ten seasons with the Florida Panthers, specializing in coaching and development at the AHL and NHL levels.

Finally, Dan Stewart is the Devils’ new goaltending coach. The team had been searching for a replacement since mid-May, after Dave Rogalski was relieved of his coaching duties. Stewart worked with the St. Louis Blues organization for the past six seasons, helping develop players in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL. Before then, he also coached in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).

Viral 2026-27 Schedule Release Video

Many teams around the league stepped up their game to promote the 2026-27 schedule release, and the Devils were no exception. Their promo video quickly went viral on social media as a parody of the infamous movie The Devil Wears Prada. With appearances from Ken Daneyko, Rachel Herzog, and NJ Devil, it referenced some iconic quotes, with Jack Hughes in the starring role, and no, it’s not the one you’re probably thinking of.

Gird your loins. The 2026-27 schedule is here. pic.twitter.com/G8QMmIasKa

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 16, 2026

Hughes, a high school goalie for Verona-Glen Ridge, also wears number 86, and as a lifelong fan of the Devils, he jumped at the chance to appear in the team’s schedule release video. “I love performing in big moments. I’d like to try and be that guy if I can,” said Hughes.

The Devils are slated for their first 84-game regular season, which will begin on Oct. 1 at Prudential Center against the Philadelphia Flyers. Now that the team has entered a new era under Mehta, all eyes will be on New Jersey as they seek to make a statement within the Metropolitan Division.

As always, be sure to stay up to date with all the latest news, commentary, and analysis for the offseason and beyond with The Hockey Writers.