​Anthony Mantha is heading to the New Jersey Devils, ending speculation about a possible return home with the Montreal Canadiens.NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the deal as the Devils confirmed that the veteran winger signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe signing closes the door on one of Montreal’s offseason rumors. While the Canadiens were linked to the Longueuil, Quebec native, reports indicate discussions never advanced into serious negotiations.MORE: Steve Yzerman opens up after stepping down as Red Wings GMCanadiens analyst Marco D’Amico clarified the club’s position after the deal became official. “There was some noise that the Canadiens had interest in Anthony Mantha,” D’Amico wrote. “Hearing it was not that serious and that a legitimate offer was never placed.”He added, “Mantha is going to a pretty good situation in New Jersey, who was looking for a top-6 forward this summer.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro echoed that conclusion, stating, “The dream of Anthony Mantha in Montreal is officially dead. We can officially turn the page on Anthony Mantha in Montreal.”The reports match Montreal’s earlier approach in free agency. Insider Marc-Olivier Beaudoin previously reported the Canadiens preferred only a short-term commitment, while Mantha sought greater security. That gap ultimately prevented meaningful negotiations.The Devils, meanwhile, landed a productive scorer coming off a career-best season. Mantha recorded 33 goals and 64 points with Pittsburgh after returning from an ACL injury that limited his previous campaign.Penguins insider Josh Yohe explained why Pittsburgh never retained him. “Mantha let the Penguins know during the regular season that a three-year deal was his starting point for extension talks,” Yohe wrote. “The Penguins didn’t want to give him three years or more. Neither did anyone else, apparently.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMontreal’s restraint makes sense. The Canadiens already reached the Eastern Conference Final with one of the league’s youngest cores. They still need a second-line center and a top-four right-shot defenseman, making long-term cap flexibility more valuable than reacting to free agency.MORE: Oilers’ Max Jones believes team has ‘unfinished business’ after re-signingNew Jersey addressed an immediate scoring need with a proven top-six winger. Montreal, however, showed it will not sacrifice its long-term plan simply because a hometown player becomes available. That disciplined approach could prove more valuable than any single summer signing.