First-year general manager Sunny Mehta believes the organization has finally made a way for Dawes, who has a 2.82 goals-against average, .899 save percentage and six shutouts in 142 career AHL games spanning five seasons.
“There’s nothing more frustrating when you have prospects that are developing and then they don’t have a path in front of them,” Mehta said. “He has a path ahead of him now. He has to decide what to do with that opportunity, but the opportunity is there.”
Daws won’t have to navigate it alone.
Allen is well traveled in the NHL, playing 497 games with the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens and Devils. He has been with the Devils since being traded to New Jersey on March 8, 2024.
He’s expected to carry most of the workload, but he’s also given Dawes the responsibility of asserting himself.
“I think he has tremendous potential in this league,” Allen said. “He just needs a chance to go and run and I’m proud of that.”
Their relationship thrived despite circumstances that could have caused tension. When Allen arrived in New Jersey, Dawes was sent back to Utica. Allen understood that Dawes could view him as a veteran standing in the way of his NHL opportunity.
Instead, Allen became a mentor.
Dawes regularly asks about Allen’s training and experience, even though their goaltending styles are different.
“He’s an incredible person and he’s had success in this league for so many years,” Dawes said. “It’s fun for me to pick his brain and ask him questions. Any information I can pick up from him is great.”
