Simon Nemec Deserves Another Shot with New Jersey Devils

Simon Nemec has been the talk of the New Jersey Devils' world for the past week. He's had a strong season with the Utica Comets tallying five goals and 18 points in 26 games. The defenseman is also coming of an impressive five-point night in the Comets' 7-3 win last week over the Hartford Wolf Pack. In that game, Nemec scored twice while adding three assists. With 12 points in his previous 10 games, he has found his groove again.

However, that's not why his name has come up. In an interview Nemec did with Tomáš Prokop of Dennik Sport, Nemec expressed his frustration on not being in the NHL after spending most of last year in the big leagues. "It’s hard to say; it’s still too early to request a trade. If this situation continues, it will have to be addressed, but for now, this is how it stands.”

While it's fair to say that the translation of the piece isn't 100% clear, it is still not what you want to hear from your top prospect. However, there is no need for the Devils to want or give up on Nemec at this point.

Nemec has repeatedly proven that he has the makeup to be a top-four defenseman long-term in the NHL. He can quarterback a powerplay, and his active stick makes his defensive play a major point of his toolbox. He's also still extremely young at just 20 years of age. Not every top pick in a draft immediately becomes great in the NHL. Sometimes, guys need time to develop. A perfect example of this is Jack Hughes.

"“I believe I’ve proven multiple times that I belong in the NHL. I just have to wait for another chance and grab it when it comes.”"

Simon Nemec per Dennick Sport

It took Hughes a while after being drafted #1 overall in 2019 to get to the level he's at now. In just year two, many skeptics believed that he was a bust. Fast forward to the present day, and the star center has become a top player in the NHL. The good news for Nemec is that he's used this season in the AHL to develop his game. His offense, in particular, has been great to see. I've even suggested that perhaps head coach Sheldon Keefe should switch to an 11/7 lineup and bring up the young Slovakian defenseman to give the team an offensive boost.

Adding Simon Nemec to the New Jersey Devils roster is the right move.

With the injury to Seamus Casey earlier this year, Nemec has gotten more iced time and more powerplay one time. He's run with the opportunity and has taken his game to another level. He also earned the nod as the AHL All-Star Game replacement for Casey. Regardless of whether or not he is a replacement, the reality is Nemec has undoubtedly earned it with his play.

The Devils have been very fortunate to have riches regarding a good right-shot defenseman. They have Dougie Hamilton, Johnathan Kovacevic, and Brett Pesce on that side. Kovacevic is the biggest surprise since the expectation was that he was going to be the team's seventh defenseman. Instead, he's had a breakout year with one goal and 13 points with a plus-minus of +13. He's played so well that general manager Tom Fitzgerald is interested in keeping him long-term.

While it would be great to keep Kovacevic, the reality is that Nemec has a higher and longer upside. Nemec still has things to prove, but he has talent that will make him a tremendous player for years to come. His development is going well, and the Devils should and will give him another chance in the NHL. He's earning it more and more with each passing game.

It's only a matter of time before Nemec is back up in New Jersey with the big club. Once he gets that opportunity, he will not only survive in the league but thrive in it. He will get going and be a big proponent of the Devils success for years to come.