Devils Manage Goalie Rotation With Three Players
The New Jersey Devils are balancing roster depth with a three-goalie system while aiming for long-term development.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Do you support prioritizing a consistent core rotation over maintaining larger depth rosters in professional sports?
The New Jersey Devils currently carry three goalies on their active roster, including veterans and prospects. Coach Sheldon Keefe continues to navigate the logistical challenges of keeping Rémi Poirier, Nico Daws, and Jake Allen in the rotation.
Why it matters
Managing three goaltenders is considered mentally taxing and difficult for player development. The organization remains focused on prioritizing ice time for Nico Daws while balancing the workload of 36-year-old Jake Allen.
The current roster includes 25-year-old Rémi Poirier and 36-year-old Jake Allen among the three netminders. The organization must clear Poirier through waivers before he can be moved to the Utica Comets affiliate.
The players
Rémi Poirier
He is a 25-year-old goaltender who joined the team after being claimed via waivers from the Dallas Stars.
Jake Allen
He is a 36-year-old veteran goaltender currently serving as a primary option for the New Jersey Devils.
Nico Daws
He is a young goaltender whom the team is committed to developing as part of their long-term strategy.
Sheldon Keefe
He is the head coach of the New Jersey Devils responsible for managing the team rotation and roster philosophy.
Dan Stewart
He serves as the goaltending coach tasked with managing practice sessions for the team's netminders.
The details
The coaching staff relies on goaltending coach Dan Stewart to provide extra practice sessions for the third goalie who is not seeing game action. Although the team claimed Poirier via waivers to bolster depth, leadership maintains that a permanent three-goalie system is not ideal for the players involved.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: The Devils claimed Rémi Poirier via waivers.
October 8, 2026: Poirier joined the team practice rotation.
October 19, 2026: Coach Keefe reiterated the two-goalie system preference.
Season Trajectory
Operating with three goalies forces the Devils to carefully balance development needs against the rigid requirements of the NHL waiver system. This temporary configuration highlights the challenges teams face when depth requirements clash with the goal of maintaining a standard two-goalie rotation.
The presence of three goalies limits roster spots for skaters and necessitates specialized practice schedules for the third man in the rotation. Fans should monitor roster transactions regarding Rémi Poirier, as any move to the Utica Comets requires him to first pass through the waiver process.
The takeaway
Maintaining a three-goalie rotation is often a short-term solution during injury or roster evaluation periods rather than a permanent competitive strategy. Teams typically look to resolve this logjam to ensure goalies gain consistent playing time at the appropriate professional level.
Further reading
For more information on team moves, check out the latest updates in Newark Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NJ.
Live Poll
Do you support prioritizing a consistent core rotation over maintaining larger depth rosters in professional sports?
