Simon Nemec Trade Buzz: Why the Devils' 2022 Second Overall Pick Is on the Table
If you've been keeping up with the NHL trade chatter coming out of Newark, you've probably heard Simon Nemec's name popping up more than a few times. And honestly, it's the kind of rumour that makes you stop and go, "Huh?" The New Jersey Devils—a team already stacked with young talent—are reportedly taking calls on the 2022 second overall pick as the deadline approaches. For a franchise that's supposed to be building towards sustained success, moving a blue-chip prospect like Šimon Nemec would be a massive move. But if you've watched this Devils front office at work, you know they're not afraid to make bold calls.
The Slovakian Game-Changer
Let's not forget what Simon Nemec brings to the ice. At just 21 years old, 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 run a power play, and a surprisingly heavy shot. Remember that empty-net goal he tucked away recently? Sure, it was an empty netter, but the way he jumped into the play and read the ice—that's pure instinct. Players with his skill set don't come along every day.
Why Would the Devils Even Think About It?
This is where it gets interesting. The Devils' blue line is already packed with Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton logging 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 win-now window—they need scoring punch, they need grit, and they might need a veteran presence to make a deeper playoff run. If you're general manager Tom Fitzgerald, you listen. And from what I'm hearing around the league, the buzz is real: 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 Package Might Look Like
If Nemec does get moved, the bidding war will be intense. Here's what contenders might be lining up with:
- A young, proven NHL forward—someone who can slot straight into the Devils' top six and make an impact.
- High draft picks—because a player of Simon Nemec's calibre commands at least a first-rounder, plus more.
- A defensive prospect with a different style—maybe a more physical, shutdown type to balance out the Devils' future back end.
Of course, you don't trade a kid like Šimon Nemec lightly. But if the Devils reckon they can fix a glaring need without sacrificing their long-term outlook, 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 the return 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.