Why Anthony Mantha has a chip on his shoulder with Devils
Anthony Mantha Joins New Jersey Devils With Fresh Motivation After Career-Best NHL Season
Anthony Mantha is set to begin the 2026-27 NHL season with a fresh opportunity and strong personal motivation after joining the New Jersey Devils. The veteran winger arrives in New Jersey following the most productive season of his NHL career, giving both the player and his new team plenty of reasons for optimism.
Before entering free agency, Mantha was widely considered one of the strongest forward options available in a market that featured fewer high-profile offensive players than usual. His performance during the previous season attracted attention across the league, as he delivered consistent production and showed his value as an experienced power forward.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 240 pounds, Mantha brings a combination of size, strength, and scoring ability that can make an impact in different situations. His physical presence allows him to compete along the boards, create space in the offensive zone, and contribute around the net while also providing offensive support throughout the lineup.
Mantha enters the new season after producing career-best offensive numbers with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored 33 goals and added 31 assists for a total of 64 points while appearing in 81 regular-season games. Those numbers marked the highest offensive output of his NHL career and demonstrated his ability to perform consistently over a full season.
Despite reaching a new career milestone, Mantha now begins another chapter with the Devils carrying extra motivation. Entering a new organization gives him the chance to build on his strongest season yet while proving he can continue producing at a high level in a different environment.
For the Devils, adding a player coming off a career-best campaign provides additional experience and offensive depth. A proven winger with size and finishing ability can offer valuable support over the course of a long NHL season, especially after demonstrating consistent production across 81 games.
As the 2026-27 campaign approaches, attention will be on whether Mantha can carry his momentum from Pittsburgh into New Jersey. His recent performance suggests he has the confidence and experience to contribute immediately, while his added motivation could become an important factor as he begins his first season with the Devils.
With a career-high 33 goals, 31 assists, and 64 total points behind him, Anthony Mantha enters the new season looking to build on that success. His arrival gives the Devils an accomplished forward who has already shown he can produce at a high level, and the upcoming season will provide the next opportunity to demonstrate that his best hockey can continue in New Jersey.
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