The Devils have recalled defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk from Utica of the American Hockey League. The team also re-assigned goaltender Nico Daws to the Comets.
Okhotiuk, 21, plays a tough, physical and gritty game. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Russian native has three goals, 12 points and 68 penalty minutes in 63 games for Utica. The Devils' second-round pick (61st overall) in 2019 is in his second season of AHL action. The left-shot blueliner had six points (2G-4A) in 28 games with Binghamton in 2020-21.
Daws (6-foot-4, 205 pounds) has been a workhorse in net for the Devils of late. The 21-year-old has a team-high 10 wins while playing in 22 of the club's last 27 contests, including a stretch of nine straight.
With just four games left in Utica's regular season, the Devils are hoping to get Daws, 21, into a few contests with Utica prior the start of the Calder Cup playoffs. It will be good for his overall development.
The recent emergence of goalie Andrew Hammond, who made 42 saves Monday night in Vegas to record his first win as a Devil, and the return of Mackenzie Blackwood to practice had New Jersey carrying four goaltenders - along with Jon Gillies.
Okhotiuk Recalled, Daws Re-Assigned | BLOG
The Russian defenseman has appeared in 63 games for Utica
