As the NHL offseason approaches, the New Jersey Devils face some intriguing decisions in net—not at the NHL level, but down in the AHL with the Utica Comets. Two of their promising young goaltenders, Nico Daws and Jakub Malek, are set to become restricted free agents this summer. Both have arbitration rights, and at the very least, they're expected to receive qualifying offers. But will they both be back in the Devils organization for the 2026-27 season? Let's break it down.

First, a quick look at the NHL picture. Thanks to a contract extension for Jacob Markstrom—a move that hasn't aged well—the Devils have no netminders needing new deals at the top level. Barring an unexpected trade, it looks like New Jersey will roll into next season with the same Markstrom and Jake Allen tandem. That leaves Daws and Malek battling for ice time and a potential future with the club.

Nico Daws: The Patient Prospect

If you're a Devils fan, you might remember that we did a deep dive on Daws two years ago when he was last an RFA. At the time, the big question was whether the organization trusted him enough to step into an NHL role, or if they'd go "big game hunting" for a more proven option. Shortly after that article, the Devils traded a first-round pick and Kevin Bahl to Calgary for Markstrom—essentially answering that question.

Since then, Daws has settled into a "break glass in case of emergency" role as the team's third-string goaltender. In limited NHL action over the past two seasons—just seven starts and nine appearances total—he's looked solid when called upon. His numbers may not jump off the page, but his composure and positioning have shown growth. At 24, he's still developing, and his value lies in being a reliable depth option who can step in if injuries strike.

Jakub Malek: The Rising International Talent

Malek is a bit more of an unknown, but his trajectory is worth watching. The 22-year-old Czech netminder split time with Daws in Utica this season, and while his stats weren't spectacular, his raw athleticism and quick reflexes have scouts intrigued. He's still raw—needing work on rebound control and positioning—but his upside is undeniable. For a Devils organization that's invested heavily in goaltending development, Malek represents a long-term project with a high ceiling.

What's Next for Both?

With arbitration rights, both players have some leverage, but the Devils' depth chart is crowded. Markstrom and Allen are locked in for next season, and the team has other prospects like Akira Schmid waiting in the wings. The most likely scenario is that New Jersey tenders qualifying offers to both Daws and Malek, keeping them in the system for another year. Daws could even see a short-term, two-way deal that gives him a slight raise while maintaining organizational flexibility. Malek, on the other hand, might sign a more team-friendly contract that allows him to continue developing in Utica.

In the end, don't expect either to be traded or let go this summer. The Devils value goaltending depth, and both Daws and Malek offer different things: Daws provides NHL-ready stability, while Malek brings potential upside. For a team looking to build a sustainable contender, keeping both around—at least for now—makes perfect sense.