Jonathan Bailey of The Hockey News has reported that the Philadelphia Flyers could be a potential landing spot for New Jersey Devils goaltender Nico Daws. The Devils, however, should consider their history before shopping Daws to other teams.
Daws, 24, has played in the NHL in previous seasons when the Devils’ starters were unavailable due to injury. New Jersey currently has Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen locked in as its goaltending tandem for the upcoming season.
Markstrom, 35, is entering the final year of his six-year, $36 million contract. He joined the Devils last season, appearing in 49 games with a .900 save percentage.
Allen, also 35, re-signed with New Jersey on July 1 to a five-year, $9 million contract after initially being expected to test free agency. He had been linked to teams with goaltending needs, including the Flyers, before returning to the Devils.
With Markstrom and Allen set as the top two goaltenders, Daws remains the organization’s third option in net. Drafted 84th overall in 2020, he has primarily played for the AHL’s Utica Comets but has appeared in 52 NHL games, recording 22 wins and a .898 save percentage.
Daws has stepped in at the NHL level during multiple seasons, 2021-22, 2023-24, and 2024-25, including six games last season.
Both of the Devils’ current NHL goaltenders are 35 and have dealt with injuries in the past, factors that may influence whether the team decides to retain Daws or explore trade options before his contract expires.
While it may be appealing to the Devils to trade Daws this season before his contract expires, it would not be smart given the team's history.
Daws has been ready whenever the Devils need him. He has shown up, done what needs to get done, and helped the team when called upon.
The Flyers, along with other teams are looking for goaltenders.
The Devils shouldn’t consider trading Daws to another team; what they should consider is making him a more permanent member of the roster moving forward.
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