The Devils recalled goaltender Isaac Poulter from AHL Utica on Friday, per a team release. He’ll serve as Jake Allen’s backup for the next four to six weeks after the team confirmed starter Jacob Markström sustained an MCL sprain in Wednesday’s game against the Bruins. The Devils had two open roster spots, so they didn’t need to place Markström on injured reserve to recall Poulter.
Poulter has been recalled multiple times over the last two seasons under emergency conditions but has yet to make his NHL debut. The 23-year-old notably gets the call over Nico Daws, who’s racked up 46 games of NHL experience in a depth role between the pipes for New Jersey since the 2021-22 campaign.
That’s because Poulter has significantly outperformed the 24-year-old Daws with Utica this season. Neither goaltender has posted encouraging numbers behind one of the AHL’s worst teams, but Poulter’s 2.90 GAA, 8-7-3 record, and .897 SV% in 19 games clear Daws’ 3.27 GAA, 4-12-1 record, and .892 SV%.
With Markström on the shelf for an extended period, Poulter should make at least one start during this recall. The Devils don’t have any back-to-backs between now and the break in the schedule for the 4 Nations Face-Off. However, if Markström returns during the middle of his recovery window, New Jersey returns to play after the break with a back-to-back (with travel) against the Stars and Predators that should provide a ripe opportunity for Allen to rest and Poulter to debut.
Poulter, a Winnipeg native, joined the Devils organization in 2022 on an AHL contract with Utica as an undrafted free agent out of the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos. New Jersey signed him to an entry-level contract in February last season to add him as a recall option. He’s played 60 AHL games over the past three seasons, recording a 2.90 GAA, .900 SV%, four shutouts, and a 32-18-8 record. He also has a 2.82 GAA and .911 SV% in 28 appearances for ECHL Adirondack.