Nico Daws Bio
Nicolas Daws is a German-Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL) and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Utica Comets. Born on December 22, 2000, in Munich, Germany, he holds dual citizenship and represents Canada in international competition. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds, Daws was selected 84th overall by the Devils in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft after a distinguished junior career in the Ontario Hockey League.
Early Life and Background
Nicolas Daws was born in Munich, Germany, on December 22, 2000. His mother is German and his father is Canadian, giving Daws dual citizenship and shaping his international hockey eligibility. Growing up between two hockey cultures, he developed an early familiarity with the demands of goaltending at high competitive levels.
Before entering the Canadian Hockey League system, Daws worked his way through youth programs in North America that prepared him for major-junior competition. His size, athleticism, and composed demeanor in net drew attention from scouts tracking goaltending prospects eligible for the NHL Draft.
Path to Professional Hockey
Daws joined the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and began his major-junior career as a backup goaltender. In the two seasons leading up to his first year of NHL draft eligibility, he appeared in 34 games and posted a 2.06 goals against average and a .939 save percentage, both of which led the OHL. Despite winning an OHL championship during that span, he was passed over in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
In his third OHL season, 2019-20, Daws became the Storm’s starter and appeared in 38 games before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season early. He led the league in save percentage and was named to the OHL First All-Star Team and Goaltender of the Year. In October 2020, he was selected 84th overall in the third round by the New Jersey Devils.
Nico Daws Career
Early Career (2020-2021)
Following his draft selection, Daws signed a one-year contract with ERC Ingolstadt of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga on November 13, 2020. In 10 games with Ingolstadt during the 2020-21 DEL season, he recorded four wins, one shutout, and a 2.90 goals against average, gaining valuable professional experience in a top European men’s 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 before being recalled by New Jersey and making his NHL debut on October 23, 2021, earning a 2-1 overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres.
AHL Development (2022-2024)
Daws spent the 2022-23 season playing exclusively for the Utica Comets and was recognized for his performance with a selection to the 2023 AHL All-Star Game. He continued to refine his game as one of the Devils’ top organizational goaltending prospects.
Before the 2023-24 season, Daws underwent acetabular labrum surgery and missed the start of the campaign. He was activated on December 8, 2023, and made 31 saves in a 4-1 win over the Bridgeport Islanders. He made his NHL season debut on December 29, 2023, stopping 25 of 27 shots in a 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators.
New Jersey Devils Era (2024-Present)
On July 30, 2024, the Devils re-signed Daws to a two-year contract extension worth $1.625 million, carrying an average annual value of $812,500. During the 2024-25 NHL season, he appeared in four games, going 3-0-0 with a .939 save percentage, while also playing 34 games for Utica with 11 wins and a .893 save percentage.
On October 5, 2025, Daws was placed on waivers for the first time in his career, and the following day, after clearing, he was assigned to the Utica Comets.
Driving Style and Strengths
Daws is a tall, technically sound goaltender who relies on sound positioning, efficient lateral movement, and quick post-to-post recovery. His composure under pressure and consistent rebound control have been central to his development, and his professional approach has earned the trust of coaching staffs at both the AHL and NHL levels.
Notable Events and Milestones
Highlights of Daws’ career include his OHL Goaltender of the Year award in 2019-20, an OHL championship, his first NHL win in overtime against the Buffalo Sabres in 2021, his selection to the 2023 AHL All-Star Game, and a gold medal with Canada at the 2020 World Junior Championships.
Nico Daws Career Wins
Across the NHL, AHL, and DEL, Nicolas Daws has built a steady record of wins as a developing goaltender in the New Jersey Devils organization.
NHL Highlights
In his first NHL appearance, Daws earned an overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres on October 23, 2021. He later posted a win over the Ottawa Senators on December 29, 2023, and recorded three wins in four appearances during the 2024-25 NHL season.
AHL and Other Performances
With the Utica Comets, Daws has served as a primary starter in multiple seasons, including 11 wins across 34 games in 2024-25. During his brief DEL stint with ERC Ingolstadt, he recorded four wins and one shutout in 10 games.
Nico Daws Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Nicolas Daws was raised between Germany and Canada, with a German mother and a Canadian father. This dual heritage has shaped his international hockey eligibility and his connection to two strong hockey traditions.
Personal Life
Born in Munich, Germany, Daws holds citizenship in both Germany and Canada and has represented Canada in international tournaments. Details of his marital status and children are not publicly documented.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year has been transitional for Nicolas Daws. He finished the 2024-25 NHL regular season with three wins in four appearances and a .939 save percentage, while also handling a heavy workload with the Utica Comets, where he posted 11 wins and a .893 save percentage across 34 games.
On October 5, 2025, Daws was placed on waivers for the first time in his NHL career, and after clearing, was assigned to Utica. As a young goaltender under contract through 2026 with the Devils organization, he remains a key part of the team’s depth and long-term plans.
