Veteran forward Anthony Mantha has signed a two-year contract with the New Jersey Devils, worth $9.5 million, with an annual average value of $4.75 million. The deal was announced on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after a season where Mantha re-established his value with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Mantha, a native of Longueuil, Quebec, had a standout season with Pittsburgh, recording career-highs with 33 goals and 64 points in 84 games. This performance came after he signed a one-year contract with the Penguins following ACL surgery that had limited him in the previous season. His resurgence made him one of the more sought-after names on a relatively thin free-agent market.
The 31-year-old forward previously played for the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals. His previous contract with the Penguins was a one-year deal worth $1.25 million. Mantha's new deal with the Devils provides him with a multi-year commitment, offering stability after a successful prove-it season. The Devils, looking to bolster their offensive capabilities, have added a proven goal-scorer with size and finishing ability to their lineup.
This move comes as a bit of a surprise, as Mantha was not heavily linked to the Devils in earlier speculation, with much of the talk surrounding a potential return to Pittsburgh or a move to his home province with the Montreal Canadiens. Ultimately, the Devils secured the services of the Quebec product, adding an intriguing option to their forward group.
