FEATURE: What Are the Devils Getting in Daws

"It's a sense of relief. I've waited a long time to have my name called," said Daws in the immediate aftermath of his selection by the Devils, "But I'm so happy (to be picked) by such an amazing organization."
Daws is referring to going through the Draft a year earlier without being selected, his status made murky by not being his team's full-time starter. A crowded Storm crease early in his career combined with some injury issues meant limited action through the 2017-18 season. A late-born 2000, Daws attracted some attention from NHL teams during the 2018-19 campaign, the Storm's OHL championship season, but ultimately, he went undrafted.
"We were surprised that some didn't pick him up (late) his first year of eligibility," said Guelph Story GM/Head Coach George Burnett, "we had been talking to a few teams about him."
"He didn't play in our playoff and Memorial Cup run, we rode (Anthony) Popovich, but he played really well for us when we needed him down the stretch that season."
When Daws returned for the 2019-20 season he was transformed - in more ways than one. He dropped weight and was rejuvenated both physically and by being Guelph's No. 1 starter. So dominant was his play that the 6'4", 205-pound netminder was the biggest reason why the Storm were able to ice a solid squad despite significant graduation loses from their championship season a year earlier.
"He got us there, got the Team Canada invite and was the guy (to start the tournament)," said Burnett. "He kind of took the fall (later in the tournament) but it's not unusual in the World Junior for a team to switch with (the starter) not finishing the tournament.
"When he came back to us, he had some injury troubles but he was still great for us. He won the goalie of the year award. That (tells the story) right there."
Daws had earned the Team Canada starter's job to begin the tournament. But the squad floundered during a blowout loss to Russia (and after losing Alexis Lafreniere to injury) and Daws was replaced. He was injured a few weeks later and missed the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Daws managed to return to action soon after and so did his excellent form. He was awarded the OHL's top goalie award, which had been renamed to honour Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford, a former OHL/NHL netminder.

The breakout season also made Daws the top-ranked North American goalie in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings.
"Nico (kind of) fell to us. To be able to get the top North American goaltender, (played) for Team Canada, I think that (says it all)," said Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald.
Burnett couldn't be happier for his goalie.
"He did the work, made the commitment, you've got yourself a real good one there," said the veteran junior coach.
Though there is uncertainty where Daws will be able to play right now amid the pandemic, his emergence from a tough, competitive environment speaks to his ability to adapt as a pro. That's because the OHL's Midwest Division is not for the faint of heart, especially if you're a goaltender. The five-team loop (of the 20-team OHL) could be the toughest division in all junior/college hockey. The Storm, along with perennial contender London Knights, traditional powerhouse Kitchener Rangers, Owen Sound Attack and Erie Otters is a collective breeding ground of future pros; more than 50 graduates of those five major junior teams were on NHL teams' opening night rosters last season, with about the same number playing in the AHL and top-rung European leagues.
Daws is the second member of Team Canada's gold medal winning squad from last season to be selected by the Devils. The club also took forward Dawson Mercer with the 18th selection of the first round on Tuesday night.
After playing a depth role last time around, Mercer is expected to be a key cog in Canada's title defense this time around in the Edmonton bubble over Christmas but Daws has graduated from junior hockey (though still eligible for an overage season).
"Unfortunately, I'm too old now," said Daws.