The New Jersey Devils dug themselves into an unnecessary hole by composing their defense the way they have, but the best move going forward is managing the logjam correctly.
The correct way, for better or for worse, is to leave a $20 million investment in the owner's box in favor of top defense prospect Simon Nemec, who, while still experiencing growing pains, should very much still be a part of the franchise's long-term plans at the position.
On Monday, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed that Nemec, 21, would replace veteran defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic, who just signed a five-year, $20 million extension with New Jersey last spring, in the lineup ahead of their game against the Calgary Flames.
To make matters even worse, Devils team reporter Amanda Stein reports Keefe's feeling that Kovacevic's body didn't respond well to playing a back-to-back after having just returned from a season-ending knee injury.
So, not only did the Devils needlessly extend Kovacevic early with Nemec (and potentially Seamus Casey) coming up, but they did so right before he suffered that knee injury, and knowing that they had traded Damon Severson's UFA signing rights for a third-round pick two years prior.
Add that to the Dougie Hamilton trade saga, and we have an untenable situation on the right side of the defense that needs to be micro-managed on a day-to-day basis, accounting for every practice rep and every game.
Simon Nemec is a better option in the New Jersey Devils lineup right now
The Devils, in an absolute tailspin, could have easily decided to force-feed Kovacevic minutes as the veteran and stabilizing force, but are instead wisely choosing to prioritize the future and make the right decision.
How long this carousel continues for is unclear, and Kovacevic will still get his opportunities, but Keefe and Co. are doing what needs to be done with the Devils sitting 15th in the Eastern Conference and 25th in the NHL standings overall.