Three’s company for new netminder Daws

TAMPA — Nico Daws is still trying to catch his breath.

An unexpected piece of the Connor Hellebuyck blockbuster. A chaotic crash course in his latest hockey home. Joining a fragile club mired in a prolonged losing streak. And now, hitting the road for four tough tests, including one where he will find himself as the last line of defence.

It’s been quite the ride for the newest Winnipeg Jets netminder, who took some time Thursday morning to reflect on the experience.

“A whirlwind of a week. I haven’t even really had time to sit down and digest it,” said Daws.

“I’m kind of a quiet guy, and I’m still trying to build relationships with everybody and getting to know them. I had never been to Winnipeg before, so seeing the fan base, seeing how much they care for the team and the former players (at the Heritage Classic and alumni games) was fun. I’ve heard such great things about here and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Although winger Dawson Mercer and teenage prospect Alexander Command were the main components of the Hellebuyck return last Friday, don’t completely overlook Daws.

The 25-year-old was born in Germany but raised in Ontario, which apparently comes as a surprise to ESPN. The broadcaster — which has the NHL’s U.S. broadcast rights — lists Brandon as Daws’ hometown on their profile.

“Brandon? Not even the right continent,” Daws said with a laugh when shown the page. “I’ve never even been there. It’s close to Winnipeg, right? My first time ever in Manitoba was last week.”

Daws’ parents are both Canadians, but his grandparents on his mother’s side are of German descent. The couple was living and working in Germany — his mom is a nurse and his dad is a chef — when Nico was born, then moved to Canada about six months later.

Daws began playing hockey at the age of four and was convinced by a coach to give goaltending a try when he was around eight.

“We were in a tournament in upstate New York against these rep teams. I have no idea how we got put in that. We played two games, and I was in net for both. I probably let in a combined 30 goals,” Daws said.

“It didn’t matter. I fell in love immediately. I was a goalie from that point on.”

Growing up, his idols included Carey Price and Martin Brodeur, even though he was a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

Daws played three seasons with the Guelph Storm, then was drafted in the third round, 84th-overall, by New Jersey in 2020. His resumé includes a gold medal with the 2020 Canadian World Junior team, wearing the Maple Leaf at the 2024 World Championship, 60 American Hockey League victories and 26 wins at the NHL level.

Daws may be going for No. 27 as early as Friday night when the Jets face the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Fla., finishing off a back-to-back in the Sunshine State.

“You can see there’s an NHL goaltender there,” Jets head coach Scott Arniel said Thursday. “He’s going to get a chance to play on this trip.”

Daws is ready. He started four games with the Devils this season, winning the last two (Oct. 15 against the New York Rangers and Oct. 22 against the Anaheim Ducks) and stopping 33-of-35 combined shots in the process.

“A big focus for me this year has been building confidence through my work ethic. Obviously that can come in games, but you’ve got to find other ways. Just work as hard as I can in practice,” said Daws.

“At the end of the day, I’ve been traded to a good team with a bunch of good guys here. I just want to come in and my job doesn’t change. It’s still saving pucks, just wearing a different jersey. I’m excited.”

The Jets got rid of a major headache by moving Hellebuyck, who requested a trade last season, refused to show up for training camp and was ultimately suspended without pay.

Curiously, the club has now created another problem in the process: Winnipeg is carrying three goalies, and that isn’t expected to last long.

Stuart Skinner’s job is safe. He’s the undisputed No. 1 and suiting up for his ninth start of the season Thursday against Tampa. That would suggest one of Daws or Clay Stevenson — whom the Jets picked up on waivers in late September after the Washington Capitals tried to send him to their farm team — shouldn’t get too comfortable.

If general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff can’t find another trade partner, expect to see one of them on waivers soon to clear a roster space.

Stevenson, 27, has made four starts with the Jets so far this year, going 1-3-0 with a 3.57 goals-against average and .870 save percentage. The pending unrestricted free agent would be the most likely candidate since the Jets didn’t give up an asset to obtain him.

Daws, just like Skinner, is signed for one more season.

“They’ve both been amazing. Unbelievable guys and very welcoming to me. We all bond together pretty good,” said Daws.

No awkwardness then, with three people competing for one net?

“No. Everybody is such a professional. Yes, personally you want to be in the net and you want to be playing. But you’re playing for the team, so you help any way you can, you’re cheering guys on,” he said.

Daws’ girlfriend and dog remain back in New Jersey but plan to soon join him in Winnipeg. He’s looking forward to that reunion, along with getting to learn from the “goalie whisperer” — also known as netminder coach Wade Flaherty, who has managed to get the best out of Hellebuyck, Eric Comrie and Laurent Brossoit over the years.

“He’s been amazing so far. Just the way he thinks the game. It’s simple and really effective,” said Daws.

“I have a tendency to over-complicate things and try to be a perfectionist. Sometimes that can work against you. I’m really excited to have time to put in a lot of work with him.”

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