Feb 4, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New Jersey Devils goaltender Nico Daws (50) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Goaltender Nico Daws may be an early waiver candidate according to analyst Jason Gregor, so could the Maple Leafs pick him up as a way to insure their crease?

Hildeby is a bit unproven though, with only a handful of NHL starts and looking at both Woll and Stolarz’s injury history, there’s some concerns.

Jason Gregor Raises Waiver Question Around Devils Goalie Nico Daws

Which is why they should look to target a goaltender who could be a potential early season waiver wire candidate, that being New Jersey’s Nico Daws.

There’s Nico Daws, does he get through waivers?; I’ve heard some rumblings of teams looking for a guy, they could get him

Daws, 24, was drafted 84th overall by the Devils in 2020 and has put up decent numbers so far in his short career.

In 52 games he has posted a 22-23-1 record with a 2.98 GAA and .898 SV% but last season had a very impressive 3-1-0 record with a 1.60 GAA and .939 SV%.

How a Waiver Wildcard Could Test the Maple Leafs’ Goalie Depth

If Toronto were to claim Daws, he would instantly become their most reliable third-string goaltender and be able to help out with the Marlies as well. He’s the same age as Hildeby, and while he’s not 6’7, he’s still a very respectable 6’4.

Plus he offers more legitimate NHL experience than Hildeby, who could be dangled as a potential trade piece if Toronto were to pursue a top-six forward; many teams would love a young, hulking goaltender with such high potential.

Again, the team risks pulling a Tuukka Rask with Hildeby and he becomes a stud, but if his departure necessitates Toronto bringing in someone who can help out now and in the playoffs; it might be worth pulling the trigger knowing Daws can handle things.

With Anthony Stolarz likely to sign an extension, and Joseph Woll already locked down for the next few years, the goaltending situation in Toronto is refreshingly solid.

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Waiver Watch: Could the Maple Leafs Pounce if Nico Daws Becomes Available?

Should Toronto claim Nico Daws off waivers?