Veteran winger Anthony Mantha emerging as a potential target to strengthen the club’s top-six forward group (Image via AFP Photo) One of the more interesting unrestricted free agents signed as the New Jersey Devils brought in Anthony Mantha on a two-year contract at an average annual value of $4.75 million. The veteran winger was a rumoured target for a handful of other franchises, but in the end his decision was a case of non-hockey priorities.Mantha has now revealed that long-term family stability was the biggest factor in his decision to choose New Jersey. The veteran forward has three young children and valued a multi-year commitment over any other opportunities, giving the Devils an experienced scorer and also giving his family some certainty as the new NHL campaign looms.
Anthony Mantha explains New Jersey Devils NHL free agency decision
Anthony Mantha said he picked New Jersey because the Devils provided him with the contract security he most wanted for his family.The No. 1 priority for me in unrestricted free agency was to get a multi-year deal, Mantha, who has three young children, said after signing his new contract. He wasn’t just looking for salary or a big market; he was looking for an organization that could give him some stability for the next two seasons.Mantha was frequently linked to the Montreal Canadiens, his hometown team, during free agency and the Pittsburgh Penguins were also viewed as a potential landing spot. But neither club reportedly matched the contract structure that ultimately lured him to sign in New Jersey.
Why the New Jersey Devils stood out
The New Jersey Devils quietly became the winning bidder despite not getting much attention in the early days of free agency. The organization obligated Mantha in wanting a two-year commitment, but also kept the contract length manageable from a roster-building perspective.The deal is worth $4.75 million a year and gives New Jersey a proven NHL forward who can provide secondary scoring, size and experience to the lineup in the 2026-27 season.
What Anthony Mantha signing means for Devils
The signing adds depth to the Devils’ forward group as the franchise continues to build a roster capable of contending in the Eastern Conference.If Mantha can maintain his recent offensive production, the contract could be a good value. His versatility gives the coaching staff the option to use him in multiple offensive situations, and his veteran presence adds yet another experienced player to the team’s young core.The deal also reflects a growing trend in NHL free agency. For players who can’t get long-term contracts, the priority often becomes shorter multi-year contracts which give financial security but leave the door open for another shot at the market later in their careers.In the end, the choice was wider than hockey for Anthony Mantha. He signed with the New Jersey Devils, a franchise that provides the stability that his family wants and feels he can make an immediate impact for the upcoming NHL season.