Long after the New Jersey Devils selected the Slovak native out of HK Nitra (the highest level of the Slovak pro league), there were high hopes that he would not be mismanaged by former GM Tom Fitzgerald.
Unfortunately, the previous administration mismanaged the young, right-handed defenseman quite unfairly. Yo-yoing a physically powerful, defensively minded prospect between the NHL and AHL eventually drew Nemec's frustration. Over the past two seasons, Nemec demanded more minutes, but the poor timing and handling under the Fitzgerald administration ultimately stunted his growth.
Conversely, fellow RHD Seamus Casey, selected just one round after Nemec, now has a prime opportunity to prove he is more than just a power play specialist. Casey has already shown himself to be a highly active, elusive skater with the puck, and he now has the chance to prove he can be just as reliable defensively.
Looking ahead, current GM Sunny Mehta has kept a few cheap, value deals on the books. With an Arseny Gritsyuk extension inbound, it looks like the Devils are positioned to save significant money for the upcoming free agent frenzy and any potential moves leading up to the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline.
Keep an eye on the Devils as a big player this week.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) June 23, 2026
The return for this trade includes two future first round picks and a second round pick. Opens up a lot of options for new GM Sunny Mehta moving forward. https://t.co/sPjQqEv0HA
ESPN Emily Kaplan believes that Mehta's Devils could deal from a position of strength, playing high-stakes poker with the 2027 and 2028 first-round draft picks they acquired from Calgary. If Mehta is wise, he should target Simas Ignatavicius out of Geneve Servette HC in the Swiss National League. Projected to go between 27th and 52nd overall, the center winger heavily encapsulates the style of Dainius Zubrus and Fabian Zetterlund. Additionally, the Devils could look to draft goaltender Tobias Trebjal. Projected between 29th and 68th overall, the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL is currently committed to UMass Amherst.
If Mehta is wise, he should use that draft capital or look to target Simas Ignatavicius out of Geneve Servette HC in the Swiss National League. Projected to go anywhere between 27th and 52nd overall, the heavy center winger encapsulates the rugged yet skilled style of Dainius Zubrus, combined with the relentless forechecking engine of Fabian Zetterlund. He is exactly the type of versatile forward who can win wall battles and open up ice for skilled line mates.
Additionally, the Devils could look to address future organizational depth in net by drafting goaltender Tobias Trebjal. Projected to fall between 29th and 68th overall, the Youngstown Phantoms USHL standout possesses elite lateral movement and is currently committed to furthering his development at UMass Amherst. Securing both prospects would perfectly balance the pipeline while the current roster hunts for a Stanley Cup. There are a lot of potential poker moves that Sunny Mehta can end up dealing with the recent Simon Nemec trade to Calgary. The Devils are certainly onto something big.
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