Simon Nemec Trade Talk: Why the Devils' 2022 Top Pick Could Be on the Move
If you've been keeping an ear to the ground on NHL trade chatter out of Newark, you've likely heard the name Simon Nemec popping up more than a few times. And honestly, it's the kind of rumour that makes you stop and think. The New Jersey Devils—a side already stacked with young talent—are reportedly fielding calls on the 2022 second overall pick as the deadline approaches. For a franchise that's meant to be building towards sustained success, shifting a blue-chip prospect like Šimon Nemec would be a massive call. But if you've watched this Devils front office at work, you'll know they're not afraid to have a crack.
The Slovakian Game-Changer
Let's not forget what Simon Nemec brings to the table. At just 21, he's already shown glimpses of the two-way dominance that made him the second defenseman taken in that draft (behind only Jiricek). He's got that smooth, effortless stride, the kind of hockey IQ that lets him quarterback a power play, and a sneaky heavy shot. Remember that empty-net goal he buried recently? Sure, it was an empty netter, but the way he read the play and jumped up—that's pure instinct. Blokes with his skillset don't grow on trees.
Why Would the Devils Even Think About It?
This is where it gets interesting. The Devils' backline is already packed with Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton eating up big minutes, while Šimon Nemec has spent most of this season biding his time in Utica, waiting for his chance. Meanwhile, the Devils have a right now window—they need scoring punch, they need grit, and they could use a veteran presence to make a deeper playoff run. If you're general manager Tom Fitzgerald, you pick up the phone. And from what I'm hearing around the league, the chatter is genuine: the Devils are deep in discussions involving Simon Nemec, and the return would have to be significant—think a top-six forward with term, or a package that fills a few gaps.
What a Trade Deal Could Look Like
If Nemec does get moved, the bidding war will be fierce. Here's what contenders might be lining up with:
- A young, established NHL forward—someone who can slot straight into the Devils' top six and deliver.
- High draft picks—because a player of Simon Nemec's calibre commands at least a first-rounder plus.
- A defensive prospect with a different style—maybe a more physical, shutdown type to balance the Devils' future corps.
Of course, you don't let a kid like Šimon Nemec go lightly. But if the Devils reckon they can fix a glaring need without sacrificing their long-term prospects, they'll pull the trigger.
The Bottom Line
For Devils fans, this is one of those gut‑check moments. Watching Simon Nemec develop into a top‑pairing D‑man somewhere else would sting—unless what comes back brings a Stanley Cup closer to New Jersey. And for the rest of us? We're watching a potential blockbuster unfold. Keep an eye on this one right up to the deadline; Nemec's name isn't going away.