3. Nico Daws and Akira Schmid
This one likely surprises a lot of people. However, Tom Fitzgerald has a huge decision to make in net. Even beyond getting a long-time starter, many of the options are much older. Jacob Markstrom is 34 years old. Juuse Saros is going to turn 30 next season. Linus Ullmark is already 30 (turning 31 over the summer).
The Devils are expecting these players to have some runway, but they also have to be realistic about their window. It’s not going to last for as long as the Devils expected window (although Saros will come close). The Devils still need a future option, and 33-year-old Jake Allen isn’t it. That’s where Nico Daws and Akira Schmid, two players who have had their own good runs in the NHL, come into the equation.
Both Schmid and Daws need new contracts this offseason. Both were insanely inconsistent this season. Daws was coming off major hip surgery, but there were times he looked like a star. He helped the Devils win their Stadium Series tilt with the Philadelphia Flyers. Daws had 11 games with over a .900 save percentage and 10 games where he was well below it.
Schmid, of course, was the main cog that helped the Devils beat the New York Rangers in the first round last season. Schmid’s agent thought that series win would lead to a major pay raise, but that didn’t come. Now, Schmid’s future with the Devils is in doubt. Will the Devils re-sign both goalies despite already having Isaac Poulter signed as well?