Prediction #4: Simon Nemec spends time in the AHL
Not all of these prediction are positive, but we feel like this one comes with a positive outcome. There are plenty of stories where a star player takes a little time in the AHL and says it was the best thing that ever happened to them. They use this time to re-evaluate their game and grow confidence against a lesser opponent.
Simon Nemec needs some confidence right now. Honestly, he might just need to get healthy. He suffered a shoulder injury in the summer, and it appears to still be impacting him. His numbers against the Buffalo Sabres were not good, as the rest of the team was lapping him in high-danger chances.
Nemec wasn’t terrible, but he wasn’t good, either. The Devils need good, and truthfully, they need great out of Nemec. A lot of what we believe this team can do is based on growth of both Nemec and Luke Hughes. Those two could turn into super-duper-star defenders this season, as they both survived their rookie season.
The real reason for Nemec spending some time in the minors is the absolute logjam happening on the NHL roster. We mentioned Luke Hughes, but he has to return from injury. The same goes for Brett Pesce, who should be back soon. Seamus Casey seems like the easy man to remove, but he’s played so well. There’s no way you take Johnathan Kovacevic out of the lineup after his Devils’ debut. Nemec might just become the odd-man out, but it won’t be a bad thing. It will be a learning experience.