Devils Recall Nico Daws From Utica, Place Zack MacEwen on IR
In a series of roster moves, the New Jersey Devils have recalled goaltender Nico Daws from the Utica Comets, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, and placed forward Zack MacEwen on injured reserve. The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
MacEwen's placement on injured reserve comes after he suffered an upper-body injury. The injury occurred late in the third period of the Devils' 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. MacEwen played just 7:12 in the game, recording a block, a hit, and two shots on goal. Head coach Sheldon Keefe told the media on Monday that MacEwen is expected to miss "an extended period of time," though the exact length of his absence remains unknown. The Devils acquired MacEwen from the Ottawa Senators earlier this month in exchange for Kurtis MacDermid.
The Devils' forward depth is being tested early in the season, as MacEwen joins Evgenii Dadonov and Stefan Noesen on the injured reserve list. Juho Lammikko is also dealing with an undisclosed injury. Brian Halonen, who was recalled when Dadonov was placed on long-term injured reserve, is expected to continue filling in on the fourth line.
Nico Daws' recall from Utica addresses the Devils' goaltending situation, which became uncertain after Monday night's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jake Allen, who started the game, left after the second period due to cramping. Jacob Markstrom replaced Allen but appeared to sustain an injury late in the third period. Markstrom was not present at Wednesday's practice, and coach Keefe announced that he will be out for a "couple of weeks" due to a lower-body injury.
Daws, 23, has played in one game for the Utica Comets this season, allowing one goal on 27 shots, for a 1.03 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage. Last season with Utica, Daws had an 11-20-2 record, with a 3.16 GAA and a .893 save percentage. He also played six NHL games with New Jersey last season, posting a 3-1-0 record, a 1.60 GAA, a .939 save percentage, and one shutout. Daws was originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the third round (84th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft.
With Markstrom sidelined for a couple of weeks, Daws will likely serve as Jake Allen's backup. Allen is expected to be ready to play against the Florida Panthers on Thursday. Daws's impressive performance in limited NHL action last season could lead to a split workload between him and Allen.
