Anthony Mantha Debuted With Devils in Overtime Win
Anthony Mantha played his first regular-season game alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Hockey
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Anthony Mantha made his regular-season debut for the New Jersey Devils in a 3-2 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Flyers. The 32-year-old forward skated for over 17 minutes on a line with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt.
Why it matters
The Devils acquired Mantha to bolster secondary scoring and puck retrieval efforts this season. Coach Sheldon Keefe opted to keep the new trio together throughout the contest following promising signs of chemistry on the ice.
Anthony Mantha recorded 33 goals and 64 points last season and currently holds 179 career goals over 589 games. He signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the team in July.
The players
Anthony Mantha
He is a 32-year-old NHL forward known for his size and offensive production.
Jack Hughes
He is a center for the New Jersey Devils who frequently anchors the team's top offensive units.
Jesper Bratt
He is a skilled winger for the New Jersey Devils known for his playmaking abilities.
Sheldon Keefe
He serves as the head coach of the New Jersey Devils and oversees tactical roster decisions.
The details
Mantha used his 6-foot-5, 234-pound frame to position himself in front of the net, creating traffic for the opposition. He relied on smart routing to stay synchronized with his faster linemates during the game.
Timeline
Anthony Mantha signed his contract with the team in July 2026.
The New Jersey Devils defeated the Philadelphia Flyers on October 1, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The integration of Mantha into the top six affects the Devils' offensive depth as the team navigates the early portion of the schedule. This move is designed to shift the competitive balance by balancing the scoring load away from the team's primary stars.
Fantasy owners should track Mantha's usage on the power play and his continued consistency alongside high-end linemates. His presence in front of the net provides a specific physical dimension that changes the team's offensive alignment during even-strength play.
The takeaway
Mantha's ability to create space for faster players could be a key factor in the team's offensive success this year. Success for this line will depend on maintaining the tactical discipline displayed during their first outing together.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NJ.
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