2022 2nd overall pick Simon Nemec is expected to make his NHL debut and become a regular on the Devils at some point in the near future.
There’s an ongoing debate in the Devils community during the drag of August in the NHL offseason. It revolves around Simon Nemec and whether he should be an NHL regular for the upcoming season. This piece is going to argue the cases for and against Nemec being on the Devils roster.
However, some speculate that he needs more time in the AHL to develop. Furthermore, trade acquisition Colin Miller is a proven NHL defenseman. The Devils also like Brendan Smith who was featured in playoff games. Smith isn’t particularly a needle-moving player but he’s still there and can block Nemec. There’s no harm in leaving Nemec in the AHL to marinate while Smith and Miller finish the last year of their contracts.
The Devils are also a team that is in a contention window. Teams who are in contention windows don’t typically give young players a lot of run. The Devils did that with Alex Holtz last season, he lit up Utica but there was too much proven talent up front for him to stay. This goes for any sport, not just hockey. Just because Trey Lance was drafted 3rd overall doesn’t mean that the 49ers should start him for all of this season. Why should Lance go through growing pains when Brock Purdy brought them to the NFC championship? Teams don’t have an obligation to play top prospects if they have players who can help them contend.
Nemec is 19 years old and coming off a solid season in Utica. He logged 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points in 65 games. He’s another puddle in the Devils’ seemingly endless fountain of youth. He’s played sound hockey on North American ice at the professional level.
The Devils are a cup contender who want more proven players on their roster. However, the way they got to that level was giving the keys to the young guys. Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier were 19 and 22 when they became the top centermen for the Devils. Jesper Bratt has been in the NHL since he was 19. Akira Schmid was thrown into a playoff series down 2-0 and saved the Devils’ season. The youth movement has worked.
If Simon Nemec is ready, he deserves to be on the New Jersey Devils and playing meaningful minutes.
All of that being said, the Devils’ hockey people have given a lot of reasons to trust them and their process. Whatever decision they make with Nemec, it’s probably best to trust them.
Stay tuned for more New Jersey Devils and NHL content, including trades, signings, and various updates.
Featured image courtesy of NHL.com
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