The New Jersey Devils have signed Anthony Mantha to a two-year, $9.5MM contract, a deal that might seem underwhelming given his recent performance and injury history. Mantha, a former first-round pick, has struggled to secure long-term deals, with his market not developing as expected. His injury history is a significant concern, as he has only played over 70 games three times in his 11-year career, including a recent ACL surgery that limited him to just 13 games. Despite this, Mantha had an exceptional 2025-2026 season, finishing with 33 goals and 64 points in 81 games, a performance that led to his new contract.
Mantha's lack of postseason success is another red flag. Throughout his career, he has been scratched in favor of other players during the playoffs, tallying only seven assists in 20 games. This, combined with his injury history, likely contributed to the Devils' decision to sign him. The team, which finished 27th in scoring last season, could benefit from Mantha's offensive capabilities, especially with players like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier in their top six. However, the Devils' own injury concerns may limit Mantha's impact.
Mantha's new contract, at $4.75MM AAV, is a reasonable deal, but it might not be the largest payday of his career. In 2020, he signed a four-year, $22.8MM contract with the Detroit Red Wings. The Devils' acquisition of Mantha could also impact their lineup, potentially shifting players like Connor Brown or Dawson Mercer to the bottom six, enhancing the team's overall scoring depth. This move is an interesting development, especially considering Mantha's recent struggles and the Devils' need for offensive help.
In my opinion, the Devils' decision to sign Mantha is a calculated risk. While his injury history and lack of postseason success are concerning, his recent offensive output and potential to enhance the team's scoring depth make him a valuable addition. The team's need for improvement in scoring, especially with their top players' injury concerns, makes this a strategic move. However, the success of this deal will ultimately depend on Mantha's ability to stay healthy and perform consistently, a challenge given his history.
