Meet the Newest New Jersey Devil: Anthony Mantha – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

On Wednesday, July 15, the New Jersey Devils signed forward Anthony Mantha to a two-year contract worth $9.5 million. Mantha’s average annual value (AAV) is $4.75 million, but the official contract breakdown is: 2026-27: $5.4 million & 2027-28: $4.1 million.

Here, we’ll break down Mantha’s NHL career thus far and how he can contribute to the Devils team.

Mantha Got His Start in Detroit

Mantha was selected 20th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2013 NHL Draft. After he signed with the Red Wings, Mantha remained in the then-named Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he played for the Val-d’Or Foreurs. In the following season, 2014-15, Mantha joined the Red Wings’ organization, playing for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate team, the Grand Rapids Griffins. He played 62 games and recorded 33 points.

Mantha remained in the AHL for the majority of the 2015-16 season, playing in 60 games and recording 45 points. He did play in 10 games with the Red Wings this season, making his NHL debut on March 15, 2016, against the Philadelphia Flyers. On March 22, Mantha recorded his first NHL point with an assist on Darren Helm’s goal. In his next game, on March 24, Mantha scored his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens.

For the 2016-17 season, Mantha played in 10 games with the Griffins but played the majority of the season with the Red Wings. He played in 60 games with Detroit and recorded 36 points. By the time the 2017-18 season rolled around, Mantha was officially in the NHL full-time. He played his first full season, playing in 80 games and recording 48 points. The season that followed, he played only 67 games but recorded the same number of points.

2019-20 was Mantha’s first real performance slide, but not of his own accord. He only managed to play in 43 games but recorded 38 points. Unfortunately, Mantha suffered a couple different injuries that kept him off the ice: a lower-body injury in November, and then a lung injury in February kept him off the ice for 20 games. Mantha had strong numbers, but the lack of ice time was a hard blow to him.

Mantha began the 2020-21 season with Detroit once more, where he played in 42 games and recorded 21 points. On April 12, 2021, he was traded to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Jakub Vrana, Richard Panik, a first-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, and a 2nd-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. He closed out the season playing 14 games with the Capitals.

Mantha Hopped Around to Different Teams

The 2021-22 season was supposed to be Mantha’s first full season in Washington, but it was cut short due to shoulder surgery. He only ended up playing in 37 games and recorded 23 points. This was the lowest number of games he played in since going full-time in the NHL. Again, this was unfortunately out of his control.

Mantha stayed one more full season with the Capitals, playing in 67 games and recording 27 points. He began the 2023-24 season with the Capitals but was traded towards the end of the season to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He finished out his 2023-24 playing 18 games with Vegas.

Mantha hit free agency and signed with the Calgary Flames to begin the 2024-25 season. He started off strong, recording seven points in 13 games. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL tear and had to have season-ending surgery.

Mantha signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2025 free agency. He had a career season, playing in 81 games and recording 64 points via 33 goals and 31 assists. Mantha also received a nomination last season for the Bill Masterton Trophy. This was his strongest season of his career thus far, which is a good sign for the Devils.

What Mantha Brings to the Devils

Coming off his best performance of his entire career, Mantha is coming to New Jersey to prove he deserves a spot on this roster. He has unfortunately had some major injuries in the past, but he has proven that when he is healthy, he is a great offensive threat.

Mantha is a proven points producer and can play on either the left or right wing. He jumped between the Penguins’ top and bottom six,, and he can easily slot into a number of lines for the Devils as well.

Pairing him with Nico Hischier and Timo Meier or Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt on one of the two top lines would add another huge offensive threat. Conversely, putting Mantha on the bottom six with Evan Rodrigues or Nick Bjugstad will add necessary scoring touch.

Either way, as long as Mantha stays healthy, he will be a great addition to the 2026-27 Devils.