NHL Rumors: Devils Could Trade One Of Their Goaltenders Mid-Season

Friday, October 31, 2025

New Jersey Devils goaltender Nico Daws reacts during 2025 game.

The New Jersey Devils might have a goalie crunch coming, and Nico Daws sits at the center of it. 

He looks NHL ready and just showed it with a sharp outing against the Minnesota Wild. But with Jacob Markstrom nearing a return and Jake Allen in the mix, Daws could soon head back to the AHL. 

That is where the calendar starts to matter. Once he is recalled and spends 30 days on the NHL roster or plays 10 NHL games, he will require waivers the next time he is sent down. Lose a young goalie on waivers for nothing and you regret it all spring.

Waivers, timeline, and why this matters

Right now the Devils can shuttle Daws freely. The moment he crosses that 30 day or 10 game threshold, the risk goes up. League chatter says several teams would monitor the situation later in the season if injuries hit or if someone’s tandem unravels. 

The front office is well aware of that interest. This is a calculated hold. Keep developing Daws without exposing him. Re evaluate if the numbers get tight or if another club comes calling with a real offer. 

Think of the Lukas Reichel example as a cautionary tale from another position. You do not dangle a useful young asset if you can help it. If you have to, you make sure there is a piece coming back.

Who could call and what a move might look like

Insiders have pointed to clubs that may juggle three goalies, like the Vegas Golden Knights, depending on Adin Hill and the timing of Carter Hart. Those situations change fast. 

For New Jersey the choice later this year could be simple. Either keep riding the Markstrom Allen tandem and stash Daws safely in the AHL, or move him before waivers become unavoidable. A smart deal would target a controllable skater who can help in the middle six or a near ready defender, plus a mid round pick. 

If the market is quiet the Devils can wait. If the phone heats up, they protect the asset and avoid watching a 24 year old netminder get claimed for free.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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