Interestingly, the New Jersey Devils go into training camp with a different feel. Unlike previous years, we expect there to be some actual competition prior to the season starting. There’s always the perception of competition, but Tom Fitzgerald often builds his teams to have a distinct 12-man forward group and six-man defense, with some options for the extras.
This season, there is competition for the top six, although the player who gets that is already guaranteed a roster spot. The center position is still up for grabs, with Juho Lammikko having a chance to take the fourth-line spot if Cody Glass can earn his spot on the third line. Players like Brian Halonen, Thomas Bordeleau, Shane Lachance, Angus Crookshank, Kurtis MacDermid, and Lenni Hameenaho will have a chance to steal a spot that most believe is rookie Arseniy Gristyuk’s to lose.
Even last year, the one competition most could argue coming into camp was caused by the offseason injuries to Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce. Both would miss the first month of the season, so most believe that would open the door for competition.
Realistically, Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey were the most likely options to play in Hughes and Pesce. Nemec was already supposed to make the roster after a great showing in 2023-24. Johnny Kovacevic was the guy given the opportunity with Pesce’s injury, but now he’s a regular after signing a five-year extension.
Ironically, Kovacevic is why we’re here. His injury has opened a door that looked closed following Casey and Nemec’s failure to look like solid NHL defensemen last season. Nemec got injured during Olympic trials and it basically ruined his season. Casey was brought to the NHL too early, and he was forced to lean on his strengths (his offense), which only magnified his weaknesses.
Going into this season, there will be a competition, with Simon Nemec starting out in the lead. Most expect Nemec to get the shot, but is there a chance it’s not that cut and dry?
Other defensemen like Dennis Cholowski, Topias Vilen, and Calen Addison will give it the old college try, but it’s going to come down to Nemec and Casey. Again.
While we acknowledge that Nemec is way in the lead to start, we shouldn’t write off the possibility that Casey could actually win this battle. He brings superstar offensive abilities from the back end. The Devils really needed more offense from their defensemen.
If Casey spent the entire offseason learning to play defense, why not give him a shot to start the season in the NHL? We already know what Nemec has been doing this offseason.
It’s going to be something to watch. The Devils also have to think of the implications of sending Nemec down to the AHL. The former second-overall pick has made it clear he expects to be an NHL player. If that doesn’t happen, it could sever the relationship. It’s not a reason to give someone a spot, but it has to be considered.