Yesterday, Sunny Mehta's first trade as GM of the New Jersey Devils came to fruition, a blockbuster deal that sent 22-year-old former second-overall pick Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames in exchange for two future first-round picks, a second-rounder in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, and prospect Etienne Morin. The Devils got the Golden Knights' first for 2027, the Avalanche's first for 2028, and the Rangers' second -- 35 in this draft.
Nemec, who was an expiring RFA with a rumored contract ask of upwards of $9 million per season, has simply never been very good outside of his rookie campaign. His underlying numbers were frequently bottom-of-the-barrel, with his legitimately strong offensive instincts consistently being outweighed by his putrid defensive play, body language, and effort. The Devils were consistently outscored while the young blueliner was on the ice, and, to be frank, most of it was because of his laziness and puck-watching in his own end rather than anything to do with any other player on the ice.
The return is a strong one, too. Two firsts -- late ones, admittedly -- and a very early second-rounder is a bit of a haul for a defenseman with play that left a lot to be desired. Yes, Nemec is young, and yes, he does have offensive upside, but I'm not convinced that his defensive game will ever improve given how little he wants to be engaged in plays where the puck isn't on his stick.
Presumably, given that the Devils should be in win-now mode, the futures they received will be flipped for help right now a la Florida Panthers and Brady Tkachuk. Perhaps they take a big swing prior to the draft this season and land someone like Connor Hellebuyck, Jason Robertson, or Mason McTavish. Even if they don't, the number of first-rounders they have in the next two drafts is encouraging for their trade deadlines this upcoming and the following season.
Moving off of a disgruntled asset, one whose on-ice results have been habitually weak and whose contract ask was astronomical, in exchange for two late first-rounders and a very early second-rounder is excellent, clinical work for Mehta and the Devils. He turned a potential cap nightmare situation into flexibility for years to come.
If this is a signal of the types of moves Mehta will be making as New Jersey's GM, it's crystal clear that the Devils are in good hands.
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