Who Will Be the Devils’ Go-to Goalie?
Goaltending has long been the biggest question mark for the New Jersey Devils, and as we are preparing for the regular season, it remains important for the future of the team. The Devils have a talented forward core and a defense full of promise, but none of it will matter without stability between the pipes. The team has cycled through different goalies over the past few years, with mixed results. Now, New Jersey is hoping to finally settle on a goaltending duo that can carry them deep into the season and to the playoffs.
The Contenders
The Devils’ most established name in net is Jacob Markström, who brings experience and a proven track record from his years in Calgary. At 35, Markström still can deliver reliable stretches of goaltending. His calm presence can provide stability for the Devils' defense that sometimes struggles with giveaways. However, last season he had a hard time staying consistent in the net. Jake Allen also remains in the mix, serving as a steady backup who can give the team quality minutes when needed. Their veteran presence is valuable for a team looking to balance youth with experience.
Behind the veterans, the Devils have intriguing young options that could shape their future. Nico Daws is one of the most immediate names to watch, as he continues to battle for a regular NHL role. Daws has shown flashes of NHL ability, but consistency is the hurdle he must overcome if he wants to secure more starts. Jakub Málek, coming off strong seasons overseas, is another exciting piece of the puzzle. His numbers in Finland’s Liiga turned heads, and he is now pushing to prove he belongs in North America. With the right development, he could turn into a long-term solution for the Devils.
What Needs to Change
The biggest issue for the Devils in recent seasons has been inconsistency in net. Too often, timely saves were missing in key situations, leaving the offense to try to outscore mistakes. New Jersey’s overall save percentage lagged behind several Metropolitan Division rivals, which cost them points in the standings and momentum late in games. The Devils don’t need a superstar goalie to compete; they just need reliability. If Markström can provide steady starts and one of the younger goalies takes a step forward, the Devils could finally stabilize their crease.
The Devils’ roster is built to contend, but their goaltending continues to be the burning question heading into the 2025–26 season. Veterans like Markström and Allen provide stability, while younger names such as Daws and Málek give hope for the future. The challenge is turning that mix of experience and potential into consistency night after night. If New Jersey has found reliable play between the pipes, they have the talent to make a deep playoff run.
