If training camp and offseason workout programs are worthwhile indicators, top defense prospect Simon Nemec is a prime breakout candidate for the New Jersey Devils.
For Nemec, 21, the opportunity for consistent ice time already exists; defenseman Johnny Kovacevic might not be back "before the New Year," according to Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald.
That makes the former No. 2 overall pick the frontrunner to take over in the Devils' lineup for the foreseeable future, ahead of journeyman Dennis Cholowski and fellow prospect Seamus Casey, given his performances at the end of the season in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
"I just have to move my legs more, and if I'm moving my legs, my game is way better. Moving, and also be more physical. I did that in the playoffs, and I want to start the season in the same way," Nemec said Thursday after Day 1 of training camp. "I think I had fun. I was like, there's nothing to lose for me, so just have fun and be yourself out there. That was the biggest point."
Nemec drew rave reviews from Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe for those performances, which were punctuated by an overtime game-winning goal in Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes that came almost entirely from a solo effort.
Overall, Nemec finished the postseason with a goal, an assist, and a +3 rating in four games, while also playing a career-high 27:57 on 31 shifts against the Hurricanes in Game 5.
The 21-year-old has since posted a number of workout videos to his social media over the course of the summer, acting in lockstep with the Devils and agreeing to pass on international duty with Slovakia in favor of offseason training.
Nemec, as we know, suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Slovakia against Hungary last summer, and for the majority of the season looked to be nowhere near the player he was in his first NHL season under Lindy Ruff in 2023-24.
"I feel really good. I had the longest summer in like, four or five years. I had so much time to train and I also started practicing earlier on the ice," Nemec added. "Now I feel way better than last year at the same time."
Coming up on Year 3 in the NHL and Year 2 under Keefe, it's now up to Nemec to finally establish himself as he approaches 100 career games played.
"Nemec, of course, finished the season incredibly strong. Played his best hockey at the hardest time of the year, so that was tremendously encouraging," Keefe said Thursday. "Nemo, to me, it's very evident he's had a great summer and he's put in work. I think he's learned a lot over the last year and came in much more prepared this time around. I'm sure [he] would recognize the opportunity here, Kovacevic, of course, being injured long-term. And also just wanting to build on the way he finished the season."
Nemec reportedly practiced on a defense pairing with veteran Brenden Dillon on Day 1 of camp, which is just one of a few signs he's poised for a featured role with the Devils and that the Devils are prepared to trust him with that role.