The New Jersey Devils' decision to re-sign Nico Daws with a two-year deal is an intriguing move, especially considering the team's goaltending dynamics. While it may not be the most glamorous signing, it offers a strategic advantage and a chance for Daws to establish himself in the NHL. Personally, I think this move is a smart, low-risk investment for the Devils, and here's why.
A Solid Backup Plan
Daws, a 26-year-old goaltender, has shown promise in his time with the Devils, particularly since his hip surgery in 2023. With a .902 save percentage and a 2.83 goals against average in 30 appearances, he has been a reliable backup option. What makes Daws stand out is his composure and simple positional style, which provides a welcome change of pace compared to more erratic goalies. His performance in the 2024 Stadium Series win over Philadelphia, where he made 45 saves on 48 shots, further highlights his ability to step up in big games.
The Devils' current goaltending tandem includes Jake Allen, who has struggled with consistency and availability, and Daws. While this pairing may raise concerns among fans, it is a low-cost solution. The team can now assess Daws' potential while also providing young goalie Jakub Malek with more opportunities in the AHL. This strategy allows the Devils to maintain cap space, which can be crucial for future additions at the trade deadline.
Analytics and Performance
Analytics provide an interesting perspective on Daws' performance. HockeyViz estimates his shot-saving impact as +6.9% above expected over his career, indicating a solid overall contribution. Since his hip surgery, Daws has faced a total of 77.32 expected goals against, allowing only 75 real goals. This shows his ability to limit damage and maintain a strong performance.
However, the challenge for Daws and head coach Sheldon Keefe lies in managing his inconsistent starts. When Daws is on, he is a brick wall, but the coaching staff must learn to recognize these moments and make strategic decisions regarding goalie substitutions. This is an area where Keefe can develop and improve, ensuring the team gets the most out of its goaltending tandem.
The Goalie Puzzle
The Devils' goaltending situation raises an interesting question: what's next for the team? Fans may be wondering if the organization will seek a true 1A or 1B goalie to push Daws down the depth chart. Alternatively, they might consider adding a third rotational goalie to split games with Allen and Daws. Another option is to bring up an AHL goaltender and use Malek occasionally in a third role. The Devils' approach will depend on their evaluation of Daws and the team's overall strategy.
In my opinion, the Devils' decision to re-sign Daws is a strategic move that allows them to assess his potential while maintaining flexibility. It provides an opportunity for Daws to establish himself in the NHL and for the team to make informed decisions about its goaltending future. As the season progresses, the Devils will need to navigate the goalie puzzle, ensuring they get the most out of their current tandem and future additions.
