What happened: Anthony Mantha signed a two-year contract with the New Jersey Devils averaging $4.75 million annually, two weeks into free agency. He'll earn $5.4 million in 2026-27 and $4.1 million in 2027-28, coming off a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Why it matters: Mantha scored 33 goals and 64 points last season, more goals than any Devils forward managed — Nico Hischier led returning players with 28, Jack Hughes with 27, and Mantha's point total would have ranked fourth on the roster. New Jersey lost in six games to the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round, a series in which Mantha posted one assist and a minus-5 rating.

What to watch: Watch how Mantha slots alongside Hischier and Hughes as the Devils finalize their forward group for 2026-27.