Devils make hugely disappointing Anthony Mantha injury move

Anthony Mantha signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the New Jersey Devils this offseason, and he’s off to a terrific start with five goals and 10 points in 17 games with his new team.

But the Devils will be without Mantha for an extended stretch after placing him on long-term injured reserve Wednesday, retroactive to Nov. 7.

Mantha took a high stick to the throat from New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech during a 5-4 overtime victory on Nov. 7. He returned to Newark for further medical evaluation.

It’s a disappointing update considering Mantha had been one of the team’s most productive forwards of late, recording five points in his last four games before the injury. He’s put up…