A Two‑Year Commitment
The Devils announced a two‑year agreement that will pay Daws an average of $1.1 million per season, with the 2026‑27 campaign valued at $975,000 and the 2027‑28 season at $1.225 million. The deal reflects the club’s confidence in the 25‑year‑old’s trajectory after five years of alternating between the NHL and the AHL.
Daws’s journey began with his NHL debut on October 23, 2021, when he turned aside 24 shots in a 2‑1 victory over Buffalo. Since then he has logged 55 career NHL appearances, compiling a 24‑24‑1 record, a 2.96 goals‑against average and a .898 save percentage.
Last season he split time with the Utica Comets, posting a 2.78 goals‑against average and a .892 save percentage over 44 AHL games. His 60‑60‑21 AHL record, 2.82 goals‑against average and .899 save percentage across 142 games illustrate a steady progression that culminated in a 2022‑23 All‑Star nod for the North Division.
The highlight of his career arrived on February 17, 2024, when Daws backstopped the Devils to their first NHL outdoor‑game victory, turning away a franchise‑record 45 of 48 shots in a 45‑save performance that set a new league benchmark for saves in an outdoor contest.
Looking Ahead
With the contract in place, the Devils will look to Daws to stabilize a goaltending corps that has seen its share of ups and downs. His experience, combined with a proven record in high‑pressure environments, positions him as a key piece as the club aims to translate regular‑season consistency into deeper playoff runs.