Summary
The New Jersey Devils have finished their regular season and are now making roster changes for the summer. After missing the playoffs, the team gave a few young players a chance to play in the NHL during the final week of the schedule. Goaltender Nico Daws and defenseman Topias Vilen were brought up from the minor leagues to help the team finish their last few games. Now that the season is over, the Devils have sent both players, along with forward Marc McLaughlin, back to their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets.
Main Impact
These roster moves show that the Devils are focused on the future. By calling up Vilen and Daws, the team was able to see how their top prospects handled the pressure of the NHL. This was especially important for the defense, which lost a key player to injury late in the year. For the players, these few days in the NHL provided a chance to prove they belong at the highest level before their contracts are reviewed during the off-season. It also allowed the team to rest older players while giving the younger ones a taste of professional life at the top level.
Key Details
What Happened
On April 10, the Devils officially recalled Nico Daws and Topias Vilen from the Utica Comets. They were brought in specifically to be available for a game against the Detroit Red Wings. The team needed extra bodies because they were dealing with injuries and wanted to try out different lineups. After the final game of the season was played, the team announced on April 15 that Daws, Vilen, and Marc McLaughlin were being sent back down to the AHL to continue their work in the minor leagues.
Important Numbers and Facts
Topias Vilen is a 23-year-old defenseman who was drafted by the Devils in 2021. This season in the AHL, he played 59 games and scored 24 points, which is a career high for him. He is currently ranked as the 11th-best prospect in the Devils' system. Nico Daws, who is 25 years old, has more experience with 53 total NHL games. Even though he struggled in the minor leagues this year with a save percentage under .900, he was excellent in his limited NHL time. In one game against the Minnesota Wild earlier this season, he stopped 30 out of 31 shots to help the team win.
Background and Context
The Devils had a difficult end to their season. One of their best young stars, Luke Hughes, had to stop playing early to have surgery on his shoulder. This left a big hole in the defense. The team first tried using Dennis Cholowski, but after he struggled in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the coaches decided to give Vilen a look. Since the Devils knew they would not be playing in the playoffs, these final games became a testing ground. It is common for teams out of the playoff race to use the end of the season to look at players who usually play in the minor leagues.
Public or Industry Reaction
Hockey experts have noted that Nico Daws is in a strange position. While his numbers in the AHL have not been very good lately, he seems to play much better when he gets called up to the NHL. Some analysts believe he performs better when he is behind a stronger defense. Fans are also keeping a close eye on Topias Vilen. Many see him as a player who could soon have a permanent spot on the team as a defensive specialist. The reaction from the coaching staff suggests they are happy with the progress of these young players, even if they aren't ready to be full-time starters just yet.
What This Means Going Forward
The next few months will be very important for both Daws and Vilen. Both players are reaching the end of their current contracts. Because they are "restricted free agents," the Devils still have the right to keep them, but they must make a formal offer soon. For Daws, the path to the NHL is blocked by veteran goalies Jacob Markström and Jake Allen, who are both signed for several more years. The team will have to decide if they want to keep Daws as a backup or if they might include him in a trade. Vilen is expected to return to training camp next year with a strong chance to compete for a regular job on the blue line.
Final Take
The Devils are using their minor league talent to fill gaps and plan for the future. While the season did not end with a playoff run, getting a closer look at players like Vilen and Daws helps the front office make better decisions for next year. These small moves in April could lead to much bigger roles for these players when the new season begins in the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the players sent back to the AHL?
The NHL regular season ended for the Devils, so they no longer needed the extra players on the main roster. Sending them back to Utica allows them to keep playing or practicing with the minor league team.
Is Luke Hughes going to be ready for next season?
Hughes chose to have shoulder surgery early so that he would have enough time to recover. The goal is for him to be fully healthy and ready to play when training camp starts in the fall.
Will Nico Daws stay with the Devils next year?
Daws is a restricted free agent, meaning the Devils can keep him if they offer him a new contract. However, since the team already has two veteran goalies, his future role with the team is not yet certain.
