Nico Daws and the Uncertain Future with the New Jersey Devils

Nico Daws has learned this season that his path to the NHL might not be in New Jersey. The Devils signed backup goalie Jake Allen to a five-year deal during the offseason, which put Daws on a one-way contract and made him eligible for waivers this season. This meant he would earn an NHL salary while playing in the AHL, and any team could have claimed him if he failed to make the Devils’ roster.

In what seemed like a predictable sequence of events, Daws did not make the Devils’ roster and was placed on waivers before the season started. To many people’s surprise, no team claimed him. His performance in the preseason was rough, which likely made teams hesitant to give him a real shot in the NHL.

Just a few weeks later, Daws found himself in the NHL. Jacob Markstrom suffered an injury, and the Devils needed someone to back up Allen. Daws stepped in and delivered a strong performance in his only appearance of the season. He allowed just one goal against the Minnesota Wild on 31 shots, making it a successful night despite the challenges.

After Markstrom returned to the team, Daws went back to the Utica Comets. Soon after, Markstrom signed a two-year deal worth $6 million per season, effectively sealing Daws’s fate within the organization.

While his future with the Devils is uncertain, Daws remains crucial in the present. This scenario has played out before. In 2023, when Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek struggled, Lindy Ruff turned to Akira Schmid, who led the Devils to a first-round victory over the New York Rangers.

It’s possible we could see the same situation with Daws. Markstrom has already been injured once this season, and there’s no guarantee he won’t face another setback. If that happens, Daws might get his shot.

Unfortunately, it seems Daws isn’t interested in waiting for that opportunity. Reports from Russia suggest there’s interest in him moving there soon.

The Potential Disaster for the Devils

Hockey News Hub, a reliable source for NHL-KHL rumors, reported that two teams are interested in Daws. One of them is Traktor, which includes former NHL players like Josh Leivo and Vitali Kravtsov. This development would be a disaster for the Devils.

Most people might think this is an overreaction, but have you seen what the Devils have behind Daws? Currently, they’ve brought Jakub Malek back from the ECHL. While he has an .880 save percentage, he’s still not ready for NHL action and needs to improve his game significantly. It’s his first year in professional North American hockey, so some leniency is expected.

Next in line are Jeremy Brodeur and Tyler Brennan, neither of whom are NHL-ready at this point.

Daws has been part of trade rumors throughout the season. The 25-year-old was considered a potential target for multiple teams, including the Edmonton Oilers. His NHL value is clear, and losing him without getting anything in return would be disastrous for Tom Fitzgerald.

The Devils would need to waive Daws to terminate his contract. If he’s being difficult and the team feels forced to make a decision, they should stand their ground. Daws is under contract and being paid, even if he believes he deserves more (which he does).

Hockey is a tough game, and fairness isn’t always guaranteed. However, the Devils can’t keep allowing players to dictate their decisions. Daws is valuable for depth, and even if that’s all he provides this season, it’s better than letting him go to Russia for nothing.