New Jersey Devils goalie Nico Daws made his preseason debut last night at home against the New York Rangers, playing two periods and allowing two goals on 15 shots. The young goalie seems to be Jake Allen's backup this season, but he still has a lot to prove after getting this huge opportunity from Devils GM Sunny Mehta. Daws didn't have a fantastic performance in net, but it most certainly wasn't horrible, allowing 0.43 goals above expected.
It was not the best start for Daws, who likely should have stopped both shots by the Rangers that went in. The Rangers were largely playing their AHL lineup against the Devils, who played most of their likely opening-night lineup. However, it's just his first preseason game, and nobody seems to be worried about Daws.
With just two preseason games remaining, it is very likely we will see Daws get some more time in net before the regular season begins on October 1st.
Sheldon Keefe still has all of his faith in Nico Daws
Devils Head Coach Sheldon Keefe had this to say about Nico Daws postgame last night: "Obviously, you don't like the goals. He doesn't like the goals, and I don't like the goals. But it was his first preseason game. During my time here, when he has been in the net, he hasn't made a habit of allowing those goals. He has had a tremendous camp, so that's what I'm focused on. Even during our morning skate, he was locked in and really good. That's a positive sign for me."
Those are very encouraging words from Sheldon Keefe. They also downplay discussions of any "competition" with new Devils goalie David Rittich, expected to be the third-string goalie. Rittich was signed to a one-year, $1 million deal this offseason, coming off a season with the New York Islanders.
The light at the end of the tunnel is bright for Nico Daws when you look at his stats since the 2024/25 season. Although it's a small sample size, the reward if he pans out is great. In 9 games (7 starts), Daws has a 5-2 record with a save % of .925, 2.02 GAA, 15 goals against on 201 shots faced, and 5 quality starts. Those are pretty promising numbers from the 25-year-old.
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