Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

Ranking New Jersey Devils Goalie Prospects After Cole Brady’s Performance

By Nick Villano

BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 25: Evan Cormier reacts to being selected 105th overall by the New Jersey Devils during the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 25: Evan Cormier reacts to being selected 105th overall by the New Jersey Devils during the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
New Jersey Devils
(Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images) /

1. Nicolas Daws

Nico Daws was the only goalie to appear on Pucks and Pitchforks’ official top prospects list. He came in a 17 after the Devils spent their first pick outside the 1st round on the Guelph Storm standout. Daws had a rough first season in juniors, but last year he was great. He led the OHL in save percentage and made the Team Canada World Juniors team after he was basically an afterthought going into the season.

Daws is a little older than most draft picks, especially being taken in the 3rd round. He’s going to turn 20 years old in a couple of weeks. That’s still a lot of development time for a goalie, and he’s projected to have the best career of any of the Devils’ prospects.

Daws will likely skip his last season with the Storm after he signed a professional contract in Germany’s Deutsche Eishockey Liga. He will play for ERC Ingolstadt, who is currently sitting in 7th place in the league. This will give Daws a chance to jump right into a playoff fight with plenty of season left to play.

Next. 5 Defensive Prospects To Watch In 2021 Draft. dark

Daws has a chance to take over as a starter in a pro league as a teenager. The German league isn’t exactly one of the top leagues, but it’s still a great experience for him. There wasn’t a lot left for him to do in Guelph. Plus, waiting for the end of January to start training camp would have pushed his development back. This actually makes him an even better prospect.

Home/Prospects