Nico Daws Bio
Nicolas Daws is a German–Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on December 22, 2000, in Munich, Germany, Daws represents Canada in international competition despite being raised between two countries. Selected 84th overall by the Devils in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, he has developed into a reliable netminder through stints in the Ontario Hockey League, the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, and the American Hockey League.
Early Life and Background
Nicolas Daws was born on December 22, 2000, in Munich, Germany, to a German mother and a Canadian father. This dual heritage granted him citizenship in both countries and ultimately shaped his decision to represent Canada on the international stage. Growing up with ties to North America, Daws was exposed to hockey culture in both Germany and Canada during his formative years.
As a young prospect, Daws moved to North America to pursue his hockey development, joining the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League. His time in the OHL allowed him to refine his goaltending skills against top junior competition and laid the foundation for his future professional career.
Path to Hockey
In the two seasons leading up to the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Daws served as the backup goaltender for the Guelph Storm. Despite appearing in just 34 games over those two years, he posted a 2.06 goals against average and a .939 save percentage, leading the OHL in both categories. That same span included an OHL championship, though he was not selected in the 2019 draft.
During the 2019–20 season, Daws appeared in 38 games, more than the previous two seasons combined, even as the COVID-19 pandemic cut the campaign short. He again led the OHL in save percentage and was named first-team all-star and goaltender of the year. In October 2020, his strong junior play was rewarded when the New Jersey Devils selected him 84th overall in the third round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
Nico Daws Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
On November 13, 2020, Daws signed a one-year contract with ERC Ingolstadt of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, marking the start of his professional career in his birth country. In 10 games with Ingolstadt during the 2020–21 season, he recorded four wins, one shutout, and a 2.90 goals against average, gaining valuable experience in a top European league.
On May 5, 2021, Daws signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils. He began the 2021–22 season with the Utica Comets, the Devils’ American Hockey League affiliate, where he continued his development as a professional goaltender.
NHL Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Daws was recalled by the Devils on October 21, 2021, and made his NHL debut two days later on October 23, earning a 2–1 overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres. The appearance marked his arrival at the highest level of professional hockey.
In the 2022–23 season, Daws played exclusively for the Utica Comets and was named to the 2023 AHL All-Star Game in recognition of his strong play in the minors. That selection highlighted his growing reputation as one of the Devils’ promising goaltending prospects.
New Jersey Devils Era (2021–Present)
After recovering from acetabular labrum surgery performed in the off-season before the 2023–24 campaign, Daws was activated and assigned to Utica on December 8, 2023. That night, he made 31 saves in a 4–1 win over the Bridgeport Islanders. He returned to the NHL on December 29, stopping 25 of 27 shots in a 6–2 victory over the Ottawa Senators.
On July 30, 2024, the Devils re-signed Daws to a two-year, $1.625 million contract extension with an average annual value of $812,500. Over the 2024–25 season, he made four NHL appearances, posting three wins and a .939 save percentage, while recording 11 wins and a .893 save percentage in 34 games with the Comets.
On October 5, 2025, Daws was placed on waivers for the first time in his career. The following day, upon clearing waivers, he was assigned to Utica, where he has continued to provide goaltending depth for the organization.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Daws’ early NHL career was his October 23, 2021, debut, a 2–1 overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres that signalled his readiness for the top level. His selection to the 2023 AHL All-Star Game further validated his development path, and his first NHL win the same season underscored his growing confidence between the pipes.
Nico Daws Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Nico Daws was born in Munich, Germany, to a German mother and a Canadian father. This mixed background gave him dual citizenship and connected him to two strong hockey cultures from an early age.
Personal Life
Despite being born in Germany, Daws chose to represent Canada internationally, reflecting his Canadian paternal heritage. He splits his professional time between the New Jersey Devils and their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, and continues to develop his craft as a goaltender in the Devils organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 season saw Daws split duties between New Jersey and Utica, with three NHL wins and a .939 save percentage in limited appearances at the top level. His work with the Comets included 11 wins across 34 games, offering stability for the AHL club while keeping him prepared for NHL call-ups.
In October 2025, Daws was placed on waivers for the first time in his career and was subsequently assigned to Utica, signalling a transitional stretch as the Devils adjusted their goaltending depth chart. The move reflected both the organization’s depth at the position and Daws’ continued role within the team’s development pipeline.
Looking ahead, Daws remains under contract with the Devils through the 2025–26 season, positioning him to compete for additional NHL opportunities. His combination of AHL experience and proven NHL performances suggests he will remain a key part of New Jersey’s goaltending plans.