Simon Nemec Is Becoming Intangible For The Devils

The Devils former 2nd overall pick in 2022 Simon Nemec is a guy that Devils fans were ready to give up on, and were prepared to move swiftly on from. But, after scoring his fifth goal of the season, another overtime winner too, Nemec is becoming one of their more important players, and he is rewriting the script in New Jersey as we speak.

Over the last couple of years, the Slovakian youngster hasn't been the guy that Devils fans were really hoping for after all the hype he gained during his draft year. He spent a couple of years in Utica in the AHL, and was often very outspoken about how he felt he is too good for the minors which didn't sit well with Devils fans. His first big stint in the NHL was pretty underwhelming to say the least, and not the start you would expect from your average second overall pick, but things have definitely changed now.

A good example of how singled out Nemec was becoming in New Jersey was the fact his name was the first on any trade block including mock trades for Canucks star Quinn Hughes. Nemec was seen as a guy who simply hasn't worked out, and his top three picks potentially could be unlocked elsewhere. He was seen as nothing but an asset, and a guy who they had already given up on, however recent performances have 100% changed the minds of fans and management, and his potential is finally budding.

As a second pairing guy so far during the course of his NHL career, he looks like a very good hybrid defenseman, and a guy who can play well both in the offensive zone as well as the defensive. He may not be the biggest or most physical, but what he is offering now is something that with continued improvement will be extremely dangerous for this bandwagon Devils team.

After playing Chicago the other week, Nemec became one of the only Devils defenseman in history to score a hat trick, and now he has five goals, two coming as OT winners in very important games. Nemec is becoming a very reliable guy on both ends of the ice for New Jersey, and whether you like it or not, he isn't going to go away that easily in New Jersey.