​Sunny Mehta did a commendable job this offseason shedding Jacob Markstrom’s contract and the associated play, a move that former GM Tom Fitzgerald perhaps should have avoided signing in the first place. By moving out a deal that weighed down the payroll and netting positive assets in the form of players who can bolster the Devils’ depth, Mehta created room to address goaltending needs without leaving the team without options. Notably, there was no goalie returning in the deal, which meant the Devils would need to look internally or explore external options to pair with Jake Allen. In the days that followed free agency, the club pursued both tracks, effectively covering their bases.
Nico Daws was re-signed to a two-year contract worth $1.1 million annually. A key detail to note is that this is a one-way contract, meaning Daws will be paid the same amount whether he spends time in the NHL or the AHL. Typically, a one-way deal signals an expectation of NHL action, so this move suggested that Daws would be in the mix with the NHL club rather than stuck in the minors. Initially, it seemed the plan might be to pair Daws with Jake Allen, but the Devils then added veteran David Rittich to a one-year, $1 million one-way contract, creating a potential trio in net.
Rittich’s numbers from the past couple of seasons aren’t eye-popping, which could lead some to view him as mere depth. However, he appeared in 34 and 30 games over the last two seasons, starting 31 and 28 of those games respectively, and his 2025-26 record was, in many respects, stronger than Markstrom’s. With three goalies now on one-way deals and given each player’s track record, could the Devils consider rotating all three at the outset of the season? That’s a plausible scenario, particularly if the team wants to preserve some versatility in net.
Turning to Jake Allen: his role appears secure. If the Devils choose a three-goalie rotation, Allen would likely serve as the backup—if not the starter—unless he sustains an injury or illness. Allen had a solid season, and it will be interesting to observe whether he can maintain strong numbers with a potentially heavier workload. Having improved depth in front of him should help, as better go-forwards and defensemen in front can help move the puck the other way, potentially easing Allen’s burden and sharpening his performance. It’s also worth noting that Allen is the only member of the trio with a full no-trade clause this season, a factor that could influence any future decisions.
As for Daws and Rittich, the question isn’t simply whether the plan is to keep one as a camp competitor or to run three goalies. It’s whether either signing positions them to challenge for a steady NHL role rather than primarily serving as AHL depth. Rittich had a respectable NHL season with a Islanders squad, which, despite its ups and downs, offered him exposure to a higher level of competition. Daws, meanwhile, battled in Utica behind a less-than-stellar Comets squad, which makes his professional trajectory more nuanced. That dynamic could create an internal competition for the No. 2 or even No. 1 role, depending on how the coaching staff assesses performance and potential as training camp unfolds.
In short, the Devils maneuvered this goaltending puzzle by combining internal options with cautious external betting on a veteran presence, all while ensuring a broader, more competitive environment in net. If the group can align around a cohesive plan—whether that means rotating three netminders at the outset, or carving out a clear hierarchy and workload distribution—the team could capitalize on improved depth to support Jake Allen and create more stability at the position. The next steps will hinge on how training camp shakes out and how the trio handles the responsibilities of competition, workload management, and performance under pressure. The combination of Daws’ one-way commitment, Rittich’s proven NHL experience, and Allen’s incumbent role gives the Devils a plausible path toward a balanced and competitive goaltending picture for the season ahead.