The state of the New Jersey Devils goaltender position: Assessing the present and future

The New Jersey Devils have solidified their goaltending depth by extending veteran netminder Jake Allen, who impressed with a bounce-back season last year. Allen’s resurgence not only eased the workload on Jacob Markström but also provided much-needed stability in the crease. His extension signals a strategic shift for the Devils — there's no urgency to fast-track promising prospects like Nico Daws, Jakub Málek, even the intriguing Mikhail Yegorov. Notably absent from near-future plans is Trenten Bennett, who, like Veeti Louhivaara before him, is set to follow a longer developmental path — this time via the NCAA route.
Ottawa Senators v New Jersey Devils
Ottawa Senators v New Jersey Devils | Andrew Mordzynski/GettyImages

The New Jersey Devils continue to solidify the goaltending position, both through veterans and in the NHL Draft. Nico Daws, Jakub Málek, Mikhail Yegorov, Veeti Louhivaara, and Trenten Bennett give the Devils a bright outlook between the pipes. This core group is steadily developing, and within the next few seasons, they’re poised to compete for the No. 1 and 2 roles. While the veteran tandem of Swedish phenom Jacob Markström and Canadian stalwart Jake Allen provides immediate stability, they won’t be in the picture forever.

General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has taken a calculated, long-term approach — reallocating organizational assets and managing risk with the poise of a seasoned executive. His patient, methodical goaltending plan reflects a commitment not just to present performance, but to securing the franchise’s future in net.

For those who caught the latest Locked On Devils episode with Jersey Joe and Trey Matthews, the NHL Draft recap shed important light on the selection of goaltender Trenten Bennett — and what it signals for the Devils’ future in net. It’s a lot like the “cookie sheet effect.” When one batch of high-quality chocolate chip prospects finishes baking, they’re ready for the cookie jar — and the next group goes into the oven.

Right now, Mikhail Yegorov is almost done baking. After a strong showing at Boston University, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Devils sign him to an entry-level contract after next season. He’s progressing quickly and could be one of the first from this next wave of goalies to make a real push within the organization.

Yegorov showed how much he enjoyed being at prospect camp and being around teammates and the media. Having seen that calm demeanor and his very polished athleticism and play in net, it really has Martin Brodeur characteristics, but with more Andrei Vasilevskiy and Ilya Sorokin style of play.

The New Jersey Devils are well represented at the goaltender position

Having a steady presence like Nico Daws, along with the continued growth of Jakub Málek, has elevated the level of play in Utica. Not only are they helping the Comets win more high-quality games, but they’re also adapting well under a new coaching structure, all while being groomed in a system tailored to New Jersey's long-term goals.

Málek, the talented Czech netminder who developed in Finland’s Liiga, is now primed to prove he can be a reliable NHL option. And importantly, the Devils aren’t rushing “Big Mike” Yegorov out of Boston University — a sign that the organization is being measured and strategic with each prospect’s timeline.

If there’s one thing the Devils have right now, it’s goaltending depth — in true Costco fashion: bulk quantity and high-end quality. By the time the 2026–27 season rolls around, recently drafted Trenten Bennett will be sharpening his skills at St. Lawrence University, further adding to what’s quickly becoming one of the most well-stocked goalie pipelines in the league.

Trenten Bennett, the Devils’ most recent goaltending prospect, has drawn early comparisons to Ben Bishop — not just for his size, but for his surprisingly quick lateral movement and sharp puck-tracking instincts. He already reads the play well and shows promising composure under pressure. As he continues to refine key areas like rebound control, stickwork, and tracking through traffic, Bennett’s time with the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL will serve as a strong developmental foundation. By the time he transitions to the NCAA with St. Lawrence University, he’ll be primed to take another leap forward in his evolution as a potential future NHL starter.

Conclusion

If there’s one clear message from the last two NHL Drafts under Tom Fitzgerald, Head of Scouting Mark Dennehy, and Director of Amateur Scouting Paul Castron, it’s this: the New Jersey Devils are building a team with size, bite, and purpose. They’re drafting players who are big, physical, and mean, a group forged with that “Sasquatch attitude” and killer instinct needed to thrive in playoff hockey.

And when it comes to goaltending, they’re targeting calm, composed, and technically skilled netminders who can weather pressure without blinking. It’s a blueprint not just to contend but to dominate. This team has a special blend going for them, and there is room for constant improvement. It will only be a matter of time before the goalies and other pieces come together to bring Lord Stanley back to The Garden State of Hockey.