NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils open at home against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET with a new crease equation: Jake Allen is set to carry the lead role, while Nico Daws finally has the NHL runway he has spent five years chasing.
A long-awaited opening for Daws
Daws, drafted by New Jersey in the third round, 84th overall, in 2020, enters his sixth season in the organization with a clearer path than he has had at any point in his development. That opportunity emerged when the Devils dealt Jacob Markstrom to the Florida Panthers on July 2.
The 24-year-old has spent much of his pro career working in Utica, posting a 2.82 goals-against average, a .899 save percentage and six shutouts across 142 AHL appearances over five seasons. He also brings 55 games of NHL experience into camp.
“You are always trying to earn more, because nothing is simply given to you,” Daws said. “I have been battling for years, and now that there is an opening, I do not want to let it disappear.”
- Allen, 36, is expected to begin the year as New Jersey’s No. 1 goaltender.
- Daws is positioned as the backup with the chance to push for more starts.
- Remi Poirier, claimed off waivers from the Dallas Stars on Sept. 27, is in line to serve as the third goalie.
- New Jersey added Dan Stewart as its goaltending coach on July 15 after Stewart spent six seasons in the St. Louis Blues organization.
First-year general manager Sunny Mehta said the organization had to make sure its developing prospects could see a route to the NHL. In Daws’ case, that route is now in front of him, with the rest dependent on how he performs.
Allen takes on starter and mentor duties
Allen arrives at this moment with 497 NHL games on his résumé, spread across stops with the Blues, Montreal Canadiens and Devils. He joined New Jersey in a March 8, 2024 trade and is preparing for a heavier load after starting 36 games for the club last season. It was his highest total since making 41 starts for Montreal in 2022-23.
His presence could easily have been viewed differently by Daws. When Allen arrived, Daws was sent back to Utica, leaving the younger goalie with another veteran between him and regular NHL duty. Instead, the pair has built a working relationship based on questions, preparation and the daily details of playing the position.
“He has outstanding upside at this level,” Allen said of Daws. “He needs an honest chance to play, and helping with that matters to me.”
Daws has leaned into those conversations despite the two goaltenders playing the position differently. He called Allen a strong person and an accomplished NHL goalie whose experience is valuable to draw from.
Allen’s central message is that Daws needs enough security to play freely. A goalie cannot grip his stick too tightly, Allen said, worried that one rough night will lead to an immediate trip back to the minors. With time to settle in and confidence to play his game, Allen believes Daws can build a very good NHL career.
Allen said his appreciation for the League has grown with age, adding that he feels a responsibility to help Daws uncover the potential still there.
The Devils want answers in their crease
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey’s executive vice president of hockey operations, believes the organization has reached the point where it needs to find out whether Daws can become a full-time NHL goalie. Brodeur cited Daws’ 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame, athletic ability and prior NHL work as reasons to believe he is prepared for the challenge.
Coach Sheldon Keefe saw the same intent early in training camp, pointing to Daws’ work at the start of on-ice sessions on Sept. 17. Keefe described one practice as the best he had seen from Daws during his time with the Devils, a sign of a goalie determined to seize the moment.
Growth in Utica
Utica coach Ryan Parent saw a more mature Daws last season, particularly when games became difficult around him. The Comets had their struggles, but Parent said Daws improved at separating plays he could control from the ones he could not.
That composure will be tested in New Jersey. Daws said the NHL moves too quickly for a goalie to dwell on a bad bounce or a previous shot. His focus is to reset, read the next play and make the next save.
- Daws must show that his AHL development and 55-game NHL sample have prepared him for regular duty.
- Allen must demonstrate that he can withstand a larger share of the workload at 36.
- Poirier gives the Devils another option should injuries or performance force a change.
Daws knows the pressure of the NHL crease is different from the American Hockey League, but he welcomes it. For him, higher stakes mean he is where he has wanted to be since the Devils drafted him. The assignment is straightforward now: stop as many pucks as possible and make sure this opportunity lasts.
