German-born goaltender hits trade block, drawing interest from Edmonton Oilers

Several reports, in fact, suggest that Nico Daws, a 24 year-old, and the 84th overall pick from the 2020 NHL draft, will likely be traded before next season, with the Edmonton Oilers being one of his destinations.

Nico Daws is currently the Devils' third-string goalie, and played in only 6 NHL games in 2024-25, winning 3 and recording a GAA of 1.60 and a SV% of .898, and spent the remainder of the season in the AHL.

Over his career, all of it with the New Jersey Devils and their AHL affiliate, Daws posted a 2.90 GAA and a .898 SV% over 47 games started, with a record of 23 wins and 23 losses. He is entering the second year, one-way deal of a 2-year contract; he becomes an RFA July 1st, 2026.

With the one-way deal, it is unlikely that Nico Daws will get much playing time with the New Jersey Devils next season, and will be spending most of his time in the press box. Moving him to a contending team like the Oilers makes perfect sense for New Jersey, than to have the youngster waiting around for an injury to the starters in order to get some playing time.

The Edmonton Oilers have come painfully close to winning in the last two playoffs, but has struggled to find consistency in goal, perhaps the reason for their lack of ultimate success. Stuart Skinner's and Calvin Pickard's struggles have been widely documented, as has Stan Bowman's search for a quality netminder, though to date, one has not been signed.

However, itt has been reported that the Oilers may also be targeting Ukka-Pekka Luukkannen, though it would require Edmonton moving significant assets to acquire the 26 year-old Finnish goaltender. Nico Daws, on the other hand, can be obtained for much less, and has 47 games of NHL experience on which to draw.

Of course, much of what the New Jersey Devils decide to do with Nico Daws, will likely be contingent on Jake Allen's and Jakob Markstrom's performance and/or health.

With NHL training camps fast approaching, the number of available goaltenders continues to dwindle, as does the likelihood of signing an established goaltender. Stand Bowman may just have to rely on his current duo of netminders to get the job done, and sign a serviceable young goalie with NHL experience as insurance. Nico Daws would be the smart, affordable choice.