New Jersey Devils 2026-27 Player Projections: Anthony Mantha

In his debut with the Penguins, he recorded an assist in their season opener against the New York Rangers. He recorded another assist against the New York Islanders in his next game. Mantha went on a one-game point break but then scored his first goal with the Penguins on Oct. 14. His goal tied the game late in the second period against the Anaheim Ducks, but it wasn’t enough to rally Pittsburgh for the third period; the Ducks took that one.

Mantha had several long point streaks; his longest was a six-game run where he recorded eight points via five goals and three assists. He often notched multi-point performances while he was playing with the Penguins.

Mantha’s 64-point performance stands as his new career high points total. His previous highest points total was 48, which he recorded in both the 2017-18 season and the 2018-19 season, both with the Detroit Red Wings. Since then, his production slowed down, but his time with the Penguins proved his capabilities.

He also played in six playoff games with the Penguins and notched one assist. The Penguins faced an early, round 1 exit to the Flyers.

Expectations for 2026-27

In the beginning of his time with the Penguins, Mantha played along the top six. As the season progressed, he was then moved down to the bottom six. With the Devils, it feels like the same could be the case.

The Devils’ management tried to upgrade the team at forward this season. Mantha was just one offseason addition that helped create this 2026-27 team. After seeing his points production last season, the Devils were smart to pick him up.

Mantha will likely play on the top six to start the season. He will likely slot in the right wing alongside Timo Meier and Nico Hischier, which will bump Dawson Mercer down to the bottom six. Mantha fitting into this slot makes the most sense. His height and his skill will only benefit an already strong offensive line.

There is a chance that Mantha could move down to the bottom six at some point during the season, but for the beginning, he will likely slot in with the top six.

Upcoming Milestones

Mantha is just 12 games short of his 600th NHL game. He has been around the league for a while, and it will be great for him to celebrate this milestone with his sixth NHL team.

Heading into the 2026-27 season, Mantha is 21 goals away from his 200th and 12 assists away from his 200th. He is also 33 points away from his 400th point. After a strong performance last season, all three of these goals should be achievable for him this season.

Projections for the 2026-27 Season

My bold prediction for Mantha in the 2026-27 season is that he will have another 40+ point season. With Mantha’s strong performance last season, it only seems right that he would play along the top six. With Meier and Hischier as his linemates, they are constantly producing points.

Mantha has an excellent net-front presence, especially at his height of 6’5″. With him on the ice alongside Meier and Hischier, he is sure to at least notch some assists.

Other Projections 

• Nico Hischier
• Jesper Bratt
• Timo Meier
• Dawson Mercer
• Luke Evangelista
• Evan Rodrigues
• Jesper Boqvist
• Connor Brown
• Arseny Gritsyuk