The New Jersey Devils have many decisions to make when it comes to the future of their defense ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline, and if Simon Nemec, a pending RFA, is going to be a part of it, his next contract cannot be what he'll be hoping for.
In the latest edition of TSN's "Insider Trading" segment, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun posits that Nemec could be seeking a massive payday -- one that mimics that of one of his peers on the Devils' defense. It's also one the Devils cannot, in good conscience, even consider going for.
"His deal's up at the end of the year. You saw what kind of contract Luke Hughes signed last year, finally. It wasn't an easy negotiation. I'm telling you, Simon Nemec and his camp will probably start with that comp as well and say, 'We want a big contract as well.' So, I think if he doesn't get dealt Friday, that's a conversation we'll pick up again in June," LeBrun said of Nemec.
Hughes, of course, signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with the Devils back on Oct. 1 on the heels of back-to-back 40-point seasons. And, if not for a midseason shoulder injury, Hughes would be a lock for a third straight 40-point campaign.
As for Nemec, the 22-year-old is only now establishing himself as an NHL regular after a rocky sophomore season in 2024-25. With 21 points in 48 games this season, the former No. 2 overall pick has certainly taken a step forward, but for a player who will be known more for his offense and puck movement than his defense, that production will not stack up to Hughes's in contract negotiations.
As is the law in business and negotiations, Nemec and his camp, led by a new agent in Craig Oster, cannot kick things off with their best offer, but it is almost a guarantee the Devils will balk at the suggestion of a $9 million AAV when the time comes.
The young Slovak has certainly earned his keep at the NHL level this season and was outstanding in the Winter Olympics, but a big-money extension is ambitious at this stage of his career. Hopefully, the Devils and Nemec can work out a more reasonable bridge deal if a trade doesn't come to fruition before the offseason.