The New Jersey Devils, currently trailing the Boston Bruins by 11 points for the wild-card spot, are positioning themselves as sellers during this NHL trade window. Rather than selling off players recklessly, the Devils aim to make strategic moves focused on strengthening their roster for future success. Central to these plans are ongoing discussions around defenseman Simon Nemec, who has attracted interest from multiple teams according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, with
“no shortage of teams checking in.”
Nemec’s Trade Prospects and Past Interest
Simon Nemec’s name appearing in trade conversations is not new. The New York Islanders made a notable bid for the 22-year-old last summer. This interest followed Nemec’s public frustration regarding limited NHL playing time during the previous season, signaling both his desire for a larger role and the Devils’ openness to exploring his value.
Performance and Role on the Devils’ Defense
Despite those concerns, Nemec has had a strong third NHL season. Previously alternating between New Jersey and their AHL affiliate Utica, he has now earned a consistent spot as the Devils’ third right-shot defenseman behind Brett Pesce and Dougie Hamilton. His 21 points (9 goals, 12 assists) in 47 games have already topped his rookie totals despite playing fewer games. Nemec averages nearly 20 minutes a night and contributes on the second power play unit, ranking ninth in scoring on the team on a points-per-game basis.
Areas of Difficulty Impacting Trade Value
Nemec’s shortcomings, however, are evident in his on-ice possession metrics. Evaluators had viewed him as a complete defenseman before the draft, but his current expected goals share at 5-on-5 stands at 46.3%, the lowest among Devils players with at least 200 minutes on ice. This points to struggles in controlling play quality, which remains a key concern for New Jersey management.
Trade Challenges and Team Dynamics
In an ideal scenario, Nemec would be prime trade material for a team targeting short-term playoff success, as he is a young, valuable yet imperfect player blocked by Pesce and Hamilton on the Devils’ depth chart. New Jersey has attempted to trade Hamilton for over a year without success, although interest resurged recently. Even if Hamilton were to be moved, his comparatively low trade value might not be sufficient to acquire the kind of forward nemesis the Devils are seeking in exchange for Nemec.
Implications for the Devils’ Roster and Strategy
The Devils’ current position compels them to weigh potential deals involving Nemec carefully, balancing immediate roster gaps with their goals for advancement next season. The coming weeks will likely see the team continue to navigate complex trade talks amid pressure to reset their lineup while maximizing asset value. How they leverage Nemec’s rising profile could shape the franchise’s trajectory in the near term.
Going to be interesting to see what happens on the Simon Nemec front. Devils are taking calls on the second overall pick from '22. No shortage of teams checking in. New Jersey happy to keep him, but if there's a deal that upgrades their forwards in a real way, they're going to…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 4, 2026
