The New Jersey Devils have signed winger Anthony Mantha to a two-year contract worth US$9.5 million, the team announced Wednesday. Mantha’s deal carries a cap hit of US$4.75 million per season through the 2027-28 campaign.
Mantha, a native of Longueuil, Quebec, joins the Devils following a career-best season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he recorded 33 goals, 31 assists, and 64 points. The 31-year-old forward is approaching 32 in September and is nearly two years removed from a significant injury—an ACL tear in his right knee—that required an extensive rehabilitation period.
The signing marks the latest move by new Devils general manager Sunny Mehta as he reshapes the roster ahead of the upcoming season. After missing the playoffs last year, the Devils have been active in free agency and trades. Earlier this month, Mehta traded goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the Florida Panthers, acquiring forwards Evan Rodrigues and Jesper Boqvist. In addition, New Jersey signed goaltender David Rittich to compete with Nico Daws for the backup netminder position.
Mantha’s addition comes late in the free-agent period, following the primary wave of team spending around July 1, underscoring the Devils’ intent to strengthen their lineup with a proven scorer.
On the coaching front, the Devils solidified their staff ahead of the season with Sheldon Keefe returning as head coach for his third year, his first working alongside Mehta. Leo Luongo, brother of NHL Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo, was appointed director of goaltending. Dan Stewart was brought on as goaltending coach, while Ted Donato and A.J. MacLean joined as assistant coaches. Donato moves to the NHL bench after a 22-year career as Harvard’s college hockey coach.
These updates reflect the Devils’ broader efforts to build a competitive roster and support structure as they aim to return to playoff contention.