Anthony Mantha has signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the New Jersey Devils, the team announced Wednesday. The deal carries an average annual value of $4.75 million, with $5.4 million due in the upcoming season and $4.1 million for the 2027-28 season.
Mantha, 31, is coming off a career year with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he recorded a personal best of 33 goals and 64 points in 80 games. This was the second time in his career he reached the 80-game threshold. Despite his offensive production, his season ended in disappointment with just one assist in six playoff games during the Penguins' first-round exit.
The Penguins had expressed interest in re-signing Mantha but were reportedly looking for a short-term agreement. Mantha, however, sought at least a three-year deal, ultimately settling for two years with the Devils with an increase in pay compared to his previous $2.5 million contract.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 240 pounds, Mantha was selected 20th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. His NHL career has been marked by injuries and inconsistency, leading him to play for the Washington Capitals, Vegas Golden Knights, and Flames before his stint in Pittsburgh. He has accumulated 179 goals, 188 assists, and a minus-3 rating in 588 career games.
Mantha's signing is part of the Devils' offseason efforts to reshape their roster after missing the playoffs last season. The team also recently acquired goalie Jacob Markstrom in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, sending forwards Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and Ben Steeves to Florida.