Could Simon Nemec become a New Jersey Devils top-line defenseman this season?

Well on his way to becoming a great two-way defenseman, Simon Nemec suffered a shoulder injury during recent international play. Upon return to Newark, initial assessments revealed no broken bones or dislocations — yet a minor sprain remains a possibility. The sprain could potentially limit his availability for training camp and preseason.

Though, should the injury be revealed to be a minor sprain, this situation could hold as much promise as his play on the ice does.

The Slovakia native is only 20 years old and was called up for international play in order to help Slovakia with 2026 Winter Olympic preparations. The injury during the international play occurred when Nemec ran into the boards during a puck battle.

Nemec's previously mentioned early return to New Jersey is strategic. It is a strategic move to hopefully ensure his participation in training camp while simultaneously swaying future Devils' roster decisions.

As we await clarity on his injury status, what could he bring the team should he be cleared by the Devils' medical team?

Two-Way Play

Nemec is known for being a reliable two way guy. He logged 19 points and three goals across 60 games last year at only the age of 19. The defenseman also boasted an on-ice shooting percentage of 10.2 while also getting in front of 105 potential shots on goal.

Nemec’s 4.77 on-ice goals against per 60 penalty-killing minutes could also put him in elite company around the league — should be more consistent.

The Devils hold stock in Nemec. In the 2022 NHL Draft, he was the first defenseman off the board and they selected him as the No. 2 pick overall.

An Olympic medalist, he helped his home country — Slovakia — win the bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. This is noteworthy in that it was the country's first men's hockey medal, which shows the immediate impact Nemec makes on the ice.

Should Nemec be given regular penalty killing minutes — preferably against opponents’ second power play units — this would give him a chance to further develop his defensive skills.

And a little development is all he needs. Should he be given a clean bill of health, there is absolutely no reason 2024-25 couldn't be his year for the Devils.