New Jersey Devils need to be patient with Anthony Mantha

Anthony Mantha made his preseason debut for the New Jersey Devils alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt against the New York Rangers. The forward joined New Jersey on a two-year contract in July after scoring a career-high 33 goals last season. The game marked the Devils deploying their primary lineup for their second preseason contest.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe is evaluating lineup combinations for New Jersey's forward group following off-season acquisitions. Mantha is playing for his fourth consecutive different franchise, having previously spent time with teams including the Vegas Golden Knights, while the Devils also recently acquired forward Luke Evangelista via trade.