Goaltending Situation in the New Jersey Devils Organization
As we dive deeper into the landscape of free agency at All About the Jersey, our focus shifts towards the goaltending situation within the New Jersey Devils organization. After examining high-profile contracts last week, this edition will spotlight two key netminders who are approaching new contract negotiations. At the NHL level, the Devils are not positioned to make major moves in goalkeeping thanks to a controversial long-term contract extension given to Jacob Markstrom by a former general manager. Unless there is a significant trade or transaction—which we will address later—it’s anticipated the Devils will stick with the duo of Markstrom and Jake Allen again next season.
AHL Goaltenders: Nico Daws and Jakub Malek
However, the context at the AHL level tells a different story. The team’s farm squad, the Utica Comets, has two goaltenders—Nico Daws and Jakub Malek—who are both restricted free agents with arbitration rights and are expected to receive new contracts. Let’s explore the performances of these two players and discuss their future within the organization.
Nico Daws
Daws’ journey in professional hockey is one worth diving into. He has already been the subject of attention in previous articles, where his potential was highlighted alongside a notable lack of confidence from Devils management about his readiness for NHL action. Following his previous assessment, the team made a significant move by trading for Markstrom, leading to Daws settling into a tertiary role as the team’s emergency backup goaltender. With only seven NHL starts and nine overall appearances in the past two seasons, his exposure at the highest level is limited. Nevertheless, he managed a strong .925 save percentage and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, saving an impressive 5.3 goals above expected. While the sample size remains small, Daws showcases the potential for average goaltending that the Devils have been missing.
Entering his 26-year-old season, Daws has accumulated substantial AHL experience. His save percentages of .890, .893, and .892 over the past three seasons are not particularly exemplary and can largely be attributed to the Comets’ struggles as a team during his tenure. Despite this, with over 150 games played in the AHL, he has likely proven all that he can at this level. The critical question remains: will management view Daws as adequately skilled for a major role in the NHL, or will they classify him as a player who falls short of that mark?
In the past, former GM Tom Fitzgerald appeared to have concluded that Daws was not yet ready for NHL responsibility, as he doubled down on Markstrom and Allen, whose extensions now potentially block Daws’ path to the roster. But with the recent transition to new GM Sunny Mehta, there is a possibility for reevaluation. Mehta’s outlook and choices regarding the team’s goaltending situation could lead to significant changes, and he carries no preconceived notions about players he did not draft or acquire.
The salary cap remains a critical concern for the Devils, and examining financial flexibility could signal a shift away from older, costly goaltenders who didn’t perform effectively. The question arises: will Mehta choose to elevate Daws to the NHL level, or will he entertain the idea of letting him go if he decides to pursue opportunities elsewhere? Given the age of the current goaltending duo, maintaining a younger player like Daws as a backup could yield benefits for the team’s performance and decision-making during games.
Recent projections suggest a moderate one-year deal at around $892,500 for Daws, reflecting a slight raise from his prior salary. However, he may also consider heading to Europe should he perceive stagnant career prospects in North America. Ultimately, the change in management offers Daws a new opportunity to finally secure a stable role with the Devils.
Jakub Malek
Reflecting on Jakub Malek’s timeline, it’s hard to fathom that five years have passed since he was drafted during a virtual NHL event. The 2021 fourth-round draft pick has had a diverse playing history, including time in the Czech leagues and Finland’s Liiga. After being signed to his entry-level contract in May 2024, the Devils opted to loan him back to Ilves for further development. During this past season, Malek participated in his first North American professional season, sharing time with Daws at Utica, where he collected 31 appearances and recorded an .895 save percentage.
Malek still awaits his NHL debut, but his situation differs from Daws’ in terms of organizational control. The Devils hold Malek for an additional three years before he enters unrestricted free agency, and he is currently exempt from waivers. He is expected to continue as part of the goaltending duo with Daws next season in the AHL. Projections for Malek’s next contract aren’t available yet, though a two-year deal similar to Daws’ arrangement could be feasible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is highly likely that the Devils will extend offers to both Daws and Malek. They should both remain integral to the AHL lineup unless either player opts for opportunities abroad. The crucial decision facing the franchise revolves around its broader vision for goaltending over the coming years. Retaining these young talents appears sensible, especially as they may need to cover for the NHL team if unexpected situations arise. Ultimately, while neither Daws nor Malek may be seen as the new GM’s top choices, they will likely remain fixtures in the organization for now, ensuring they have competent depth ready for the challenges ahead.
