The New Jersey Devils have placed forward Anthony Mantha on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), the team announced Wednesday. In corresponding moves, the Devils recalled forwards Stefan Noesen and Lenni Hameenaho from their AHL affiliate.
Mantha, 31, has been dealing with an undisclosed injury. The move to LTIR means he will miss a minimum of 10 games and 24 days, providing the Devils with salary cap relief. The veteran winger signed a one-year contract with New Jersey in the offseason after spending the previous two seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Capitals.
Noesen, 31, returns to the organization where he played 34 games during the 2023-24 season, recording six goals and eight assists. The Michigan native has 152 career NHL points across stints with six different franchises.
Hameenaho, 20, was selected 58th overall by the Devils in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Finnish forward has been playing for the Utica Comets this season, adjusting to North American professional hockey after playing in Liiga.
The Devils also face concerns regarding defenseman Nikita Kovacevic, though specific details on his status were not immediately disclosed. New Jersey hosts the St. Louis Blues at Prudential Center on Thursday night.
