3. Simon Nemec
There’s a lot to unpack with Simon Nemec in the AHL, but it’s something that must be considered. There are some complications here. For one, just like the Devils, the Comets have a much better right side of the defense than they do left side. However, it’s pretty simple to just add DeSimone to the NHL roster and let Nemec take that spot.
Would the Devils want to take time away from Casey or Nemec in the AHL? That’s a small issue here. Second-line minutes would still be better than the no minutes Nemec is getting right now. With injuries to Nathan Bastian and Curtis Lazar, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe has said he was considering going 11-7 to get Nemec back in the lineup, but he’s been on record as against that lineup configuration.
So, with a new head coach in Utica and a different philosophy, the Devils might be more open to letting Nemec go to the AHL. He will get time to develop that he didn’t get last season.
Nemec is an underrated disappointment this season, but his shoulder injury is likely to blame as much as anything. It’s not too worrisome for his development, as we’ve seen him succeed at the NHL level anymore. That doesn’t mean the Devils should rest on their laurels when it comes to his development. They should make the right move, and with Ryan Parent in the coaching seat, the right move is probably a move to Utica.