New Jersey Devils: Don’t Put Much On Simon Nemec’s Training Camp
By Nick Villano
Simon Nemec was the topic of conversation on social media after Lindy Ruff was somewhat critical of his play. New Jersey Devils fans were not happy with what they heard so early in training camp.
The New Jersey Devils fanbase was a little too hurt by the words of head coach Lindy Ruff. When talking about rookie Simon Nemec, Ruff wants him to adapt his play.
Ruff on Simon Nemec: "He has to get comfortable w/ the way we play. Sometimes w/ a 1st-year player w/ his caliber is trying to do too much, I think too much in some of those situations got him in trouble. It's keeping the gm in front of him, playing well defensively."
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) September 27, 2022
Some took that as asking the second-overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft to change what makes him what he is. One of those who were overtly critical of Ruff’s words was The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler.
If the message to a young player of Simon Freaking Nemec's quality isn't "Be you, do your thing within the flow of the game, it's OK if you make mistakes, we want to see what you've got and we'll teach you and refine around the edges as we go," you're doing it all wrong.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) September 27, 2022
So, here’s the thing. The Devils are going to take their time with Simon Nemec. However, they are also testing Nemec’s ability to play against NHL competition. They signed him so he could play in North America this season. That could mean jumping straight into the NHL, or he’s going to start his professional career with the Utica Comets.
Nemec played his first preseason game, and it didn’t go great. While most things went very well in the Devils’ win against the New York Islanders, Nemec’s game did not translate. And you know what? That’s okay!
In terms of game score, Nemec was last on the Devils last night. He’s an 18-year-old defenseman. He’s expected to struggle early. He admitted that he was nervous going into the game. While he played like it, Ruff did give him plenty of chances. Nemec played 17:54 at even strength. No other player had more ice time at 5v5. So, Ruff clearly wants him to get some of the nerves out.
While Nemec struggled, he wasn’t exactly terrible. He was on the ice for the only goal against, but he was on the ice for as many high-danger chances as he had against him according to Natural Stat Trick. He’s on the right track, but it’s not crazy to say he needs serious work.
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The big question ahead is the Devils motivation for Nemec’s time in training camp. Is he legitimately making a push for a spot in the NHL despite the Devils already having right-handed defensemen Dougie Hamilton, Damon Severson, and John Marino? If the answer is yes, then expect more critical statements from Ruff. If the motivation is pure development, then Nemec will get more time but less criticism.