The New Jersey Devils confirmed today that they have re-signed goaltender Nico Daws to a two-year contract, featuring an average annual value of $812,500. The specifics of the contract are: 2024-25: Two-way agreement with a salary of $775,000 at the NHL level and $350,000 at the American Hockey League (AHL) level ($465,000 guaranteed), and for 2025-26: One-way deal worth $850,000 at the NHL level. This announcement came from President/General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and Devils’ Assistant General Manager/Utica Comets General Manager Dan MacKinnon.
Daws, who is 23 years old, has spent portions of the previous two seasons with the Devils while dividing his time between the NHL and AHL levels with the Utica Comets as he concluded his third season. The 6’4″, 205 lbs. goaltender underwent successful hip surgery in the summer of 2023; after his rehabilitation process, he returned to play for Utica on December 8, 2023. Daws played primarily in the NHL during the 2023-24 season and recorded a record of 9-11-0 across 21 games with New Jersey.
On February 17, 2024, Daws guided New Jersey to its inaugural victory in an NHL outdoor game by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3 during a Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series event held at MetLife Stadium. He set an NHL milestone by making a remarkable total of 45 saves out of 48 shots—recording most saves by any goaltender in an outdoor game’s history. Additionally, those were also noted as highest number of shots faced by any netminder during such events.
Born on December 22nd, 2000, Daws made his debut in the NHL on October 23rd,,2021 where he notched up an impressive performance with a tally of making24 saves against just one goal on Buffalo resulting in a narrow victoryof2 -1 . He became onlythe fifth goaltender within franchise history to achieve this featin their initial gameand possesses acareer recordinNHLof19wins against22lossesandoneovertime losswhile maintaininganaverageof goalsagainstat3.13withsavipercentage standingat .894.
In total,Dawshasacclaimed32victories alongside24 losses through7drawsinAHLaction attaininggoalagaintaverage( GAA)2 .68alongside savipercentage( SV%)of .906on64regularseasonappearances.In addition,the talented playerhadthehonor obeing designatedas2018-19 all staratteammembersstandingfor NorthDivision whileputtingup5 wins vs5 lossesintheCalderCupPlayoffsincludingoneoshutout achievementtoo!
The Devils drafted him inthe third round at82overallpositionduringthe yearofthe20NHLdraft.Duringhis careerso far,heshunternational representationplayingforCanada whereinhenettedaGoldmedalatthea IIFHsponsoredWorldJuniorChampionshipheldin20 alsohasoneappearanceforthe IIH FforW royalesTotalGameMontage place84members there !
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New Jersey Devils Re-Sign Goaltender Nico Daws to Two-Year Contract
The New Jersey Devils have officially announced the re-signing of promising goaltender Nico Daws to a two-year contract. This decision solidifies the team’s commitment to developing young talent and maintaining a robust goaltending lineup. Daws has shown significant potential since joining the Devils and is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s future success.
Overview of Nico Daws’ Performance
Nico Daws, drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the 2020 NHL Draft, has quickly made a name for himself as a reliable goaltender. During his time in the AHL and NHL, Daws showcased impressive stats and a keen ability to adapt to high-pressure situations.
- 2019-2020 season: Daws played for the Guelph Storm in the OHL, maintaining an average save percentage of .910.
- 2020-2021 season: Transitioning to the AHL, Daws recorded a save percentage of .920, demonstrating his readiness for higher competition.
- 2021-2022 season: In his debut NHL season, he made critical saves, particularly in important matchups against divisional rivals.
Statistical Highlights
| Season | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Save Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 34 | 22 | 12 | .910 |
| 2020-2021 | 29 | 16 | 7 | .920 |
| 2021-2022 | 25 | 9 | 12 | .908 |
Contract Details
The two-year contract solidifies Nico Daws’ position within the New Jersey Devils organization. While specific financial terms have not been fully disclosed, it is expected to be competitive based on his rising stature in the league.
Key Features of the Contract
- Duration: 2 years
- Stability: Reinforces the team’s commitment to Daws’ development.
- Performance Incentives: Potential bonuses based on save percentage and games played.
The Future of Goaltending for the Devils
With Nico Daws re-signed, the New Jersey Devils are taking significant steps toward building a formidable goaltending duo. Alongside established goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, Daws can gain invaluable experience, which is crucial for a young goalie in the NHL.
Benefits of Daws’ Re-Signing
- Youth Development: Daws will benefit from mentorship under Blackwood.
- Depth in Goaltending: Provides the Devils with depth in the goaltender position, essential for a grueling NHL season.
- Competitive Edge: Ensures the team remains competitive in every matchup with reliable goaltending.
Case Study: Successful Goaltender Developments
Looking at other teams in the NHL, it’s clear that successful goaltender development strategies lead to long-term benefits. Here are a few notable examples:
| Team | Goaltender | Years to Stardom | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Andrei Vasilevskiy | 4 | 2× Stanley Cup Champion |
| New York Islanders | Ilya Sorokin | 3 | Calder Trophy Nominee |
| Carolina Hurricanes | Petr Mrazek | 2 | Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP |
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Nico Daws
In a recent interview, Nico Daws shared his thoughts on his journey so far:
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue my career with the New Jersey Devils. The organization has believed in me since my draft year, and I look forward to proving them right.”
Daws emphasized the importance of hard work and the lessons he has learned from his teammates. His perspective resonates with many young goaltenders hoping to make a mark in the NHL.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Goaltenders
For young goaltenders looking to emulate Nico Daws, here are some practical tips to improve your game:
- Focus on Fundamentals: Master basic techniques like positioning, glove saves, and lateral movements.
- Practice Mental Resilience: Goaltending is as much a mental game as it is physical. Develop strategies to cope with pressure.
- Seek Feedback: Always look for feedback from coaches and more experienced players to identify areas for improvement.
Moving Forward: The Devils’ Vision
The re-signing of Nico Daws is just one piece of a larger puzzle for the New Jersey Devils as they aim to build a competitive team capable of making deep playoff runs. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, the organization is positioning itself for sustained success. The commitment to nurturing goaltending talent by re-signing Daws is a clear indication of their long-term vision.
As the NHL season approaches, fans of the New Jersey Devils can look forward to seeing how Nico Daws will develop further and what contributions he will make on the ice. The combination of skill, training, and mentorship will likely facilitate Daws’ growth into a formidable goaltender in the NHL.
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