NHL Rumors: Devils' Nico Daws Becoming Trade Candidate; 3 Teams Linked

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 , , ,
New Jersey Devils goaltender Nico Daws reacts during 2025 game.

Nico Daws has done everything the New Jersey Devils could ask of him, stepping up during injuries, posting strong numbers in limited NHL action, and bouncing back after hip surgery.

Devils Facing Tough Choice with Nico Daws as Trade Rumors Swirl

But despite his steady progress, Daws now finds himself boxed out of the NHL roster. With Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen locked in as the Devils' goaltending tandem for 2025-26, Daws appears destined for waivers if he doesn't get moved, an outcome the team would be wise to avoid.

Daws' situation has sparked league-wide interest. The 24-year-old is entering the final year of his deal and is no longer waiver-exempt, meaning any attempt to assign him to the AHL risks losing him for nothing. 

James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now reports that trade discussions are heating up, with the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Vegas Golden Knights all emerging as potential suitors. Each team has a hole or long-term uncertainty in their crease and could offer Daws a clearer NHL path than the crowded Devils pipeline.

Trading Daws outright or including him in a package with names like Dougie Hamilton or Dawson Mercer could help the Devils upgrade their forward group or free up cap space for a Luke Hughes extension. 

With Daws’ strong .939 save percentage and 1.60 GAA in limited NHL action last season, the Devils should seize this moment to extract value. Whether it’s Edmonton’s lack of depth, Vegas’ search for a reliable backup, or Calgary’s need for support behind Dustin Wolf, Daws is a trade chip ready to be cashed.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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