NHL Reviewed Anthony Mantha Hit on Matinpalo

The NHL Department of Player Safety is reviewing a game misconduct penalty assessed to Anthony Mantha.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Hockey

NHL Reviewed Anthony Mantha Hit on Matinpalo

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Anthony Mantha received a five-minute major and a game misconduct after hitting Nikolas Matinpalo into the boards from behind. The play resulted in an upper-body injury for Matinpalo during the game against the Ottawa Senators.

Why it matters

The disciplinary review is mandatory following the game misconduct penalty assessed to Mantha. The NHL Department of Player Safety will determine if the hit warrants further suspension or fines.

Anthony Mantha has recorded 172 goals and 188 assists over 592 career NHL games. During the 2025-26 season, he tallied 64 points across 33 goals and 31 assists.

The players

Anthony Mantha

He is an NHL forward who signed a two-year contract with the New Jersey Devils in 2026.

Nikolas Matinpalo

He is a professional hockey player who suffered an upper-body injury during a game against the New Jersey Devils.

NHL Department of Player Safety

This league office is responsible for reviewing and disciplining on-ice infractions.

The details

Mantha delivered the hit on October 12, 2026, forcing Matinpalo into the boards from behind. The incident occurred shortly into Mantha's tenure with the New Jersey Devils, having joined the team on a two-year deal in the summer of 2026.

In 2019, Mantha received a one-game ban from the IIHF Disciplinary Panel.
In October 2024, Mantha suffered an ACL tear.
During the 2025-26 season, Mantha played for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In the summer of 2026, Mantha signed a contract with the Devils.
On October 12, 2026, Mantha hit Matinpalo during a game.

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Season Trajectory

This disciplinary review follows the precedent of disciplinary scrutiny established by the IIHF Disciplinary Panel one-game ban in 2019. The potential suspension could impact the New Jersey Devils' lineup as they integrate Mantha into their roster for his two-year term.

A suspension for Mantha would necessitate roster adjustments for the New Jersey Devils. Fans should monitor league announcements for updates on the duration of any potential ban.

The takeaway

Disciplinary reviews are an essential component of maintaining league standards for player safety. Players and teams must adapt their physical play to avoid significant time lost to mandatory suspensions.